Civil right group calls for Sowore’s immediate release

The police authorities have been asked to release Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr Omoyele Sowore, without delay.

In a release issued on Sunday, Nigeria’s right coalition, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) urged the police to release Sowore who was on bail for trump up treason charges considered by many as trumped up, before his recent arrest.

The statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, said the arrest of Sowore on New Year eve was an ill thought action to compound his current face off with Nigerian authorities.

The police arrested Sowore on December 31 while he was leading a political vigil organised against corruption and bad governance.

HEDA said Sowore ought to have been granted bail by the police but that instead he was kept behind bars and compelled to spend the traditional cross over night behind bars.

The group said it may be compelled to renew another global campaign that will embarrass the Nigerian government if he was not released or charged to competent court of law.

“We call for the unconditional release of the Sahara Reporters Publisher, Mr Omoyele Sowore. He was arrested on December 31 and has yet to be taken to court. The police should release him without any further delay,” HEDA said.

It described Sowore as a victim of political persecution whose tormentors are anxious to bring down because of his online medium which is noted for being critical of the Nigerian authorities

“Since 2019, the Nigerian government has been keeping Sowore in detention on trumped up charges. His recent ordeal leading to his arrest on New Year eve is in furtherance of a plot to ensure his continuous incarceration by the Nigerian government,” HEDA said.