From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has strongly condemned the arrest, detention, and remand of human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, describing it as another disturbing sign of the shrinking civic space and increasing intolerance of dissent in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ANEEJ said the incident reflects the growing use of state institutions to intimidate citizens who speak out on governance, accountability, and justice issues. The organization called for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release.
ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor said the group is deeply concerned that a human rights activist and publisher could be detained under circumstances that raise serious questions about respect for due process, judicial fairness, and the rule of law.
“The Department of State Services and all security agencies must understand that their mandate is to protect the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to suppress dissent, criminalize free expression, or intimidate citizens holding strong views about governance. We want the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore,” Rev. Ugolor stated.
ANEEJ noted that democracy cannot flourish where citizens, activists, journalists, and civil society actors are constantly at risk of arrest, harassment, or detention for exercising their constitutional rights to free speech, peaceful civic engagement, and political participation.
The organization said Sowore’s treatment should concern every Nigerian who believes in democracy, justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. It emphasized that security agencies must always operate within the law, respect court processes, and avoid actions that could be seen as persecution or political intimidation.
ANEEJ called on the DSS to ensure Sowore’s rights are fully protected and that all measures taken follow the Constitution of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.
“Even when the state believes an offense has been committed, the proper approach is to follow due process, uphold the presumption of innocence, and allow courts to decide the matter without intimidation, executive pressure, or abuse of power. Detention before conviction as a form of punishment is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” Ugolor added.
Further, the group expressed concern over reports that Sowore had requested the presiding judge’s recusal due to suspected bias. ANEEJ stated that when a defendant raises a genuine concern about potential bias, the court must address it seriously to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. When an accused person reasonably fears bias and requests a judge’s recusal, the court should uphold the principles of a fair hearing, impartiality, and public trust in justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the common person, and nothing should weaken citizens’ faith in its independence,” Rev. Ugolor said.
ANEEJ noted Sowore’s personal response to his remand shows the resilience of citizens demanding justice, accountability, and democratic reform in Nigeria. However, it called on all citizens and government institutions to remain committed to peaceful, lawful, and constitutional methods of engagement.
The organization urged the Federal Government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to democratic freedoms by ensuring that security agencies do not act in ways that undermine civil liberties, press freedom, or the right to criticize public officials. It warned that ongoing harassment of activists, journalists, and dissenters could further damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation and erode public trust.
ANEEJ also called on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups, the media, and the international community to closely monitor the case and demand adherence to due process, fair hearings, and respect for human rights.
“The rule of law is the foundation of democracy. No society can truly be democratic when citizens are afraid to speak out, journalists face intimidation, activists are detained, and security agencies operate above the law. ANEEJ calls for the immediate protection of Mr. Sowore’s rights and urges the DSS, judiciary, and all relevant authorities to uphold justice, fairness, and due process,” Ugolor said.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending civic space, promoting accountability, and supporting citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders working for justice, transparency, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
