Group demands Sowore’s unconditional release

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has demanded the unconditional release of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, the Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement describing it as unjust and illegal.

In a statement signed by CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the group berated the Nigerian Police Force’s wrong use of their instituted authority to harass and oppress individuals with dissenting views.

The statement reads in part: “As a movement, we strongly condemns the unjust and illegal arrest of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, the Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement.

“CHSR considers the actions of the Nigeria Police Force as a brazen display of institutional double standards, abuse of power, and a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
“The arrest, based on an allegation involving a police officer and reportedly bordering on defamation and forgery, reeks of personal vendetta rather than pursuit of justice.

“We find it alarming and disturbing that the Nigeria Police, an institution meant to uphold the rule of law continues to act as a law unto itself.
“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case. The Police cannot be both the accuser and the enforcer in a matter involving its own personnel.
“This is a blatant conflict of interest, and it undermines every principle of fairness and due process.

“It is no coincidence that Comrade Sowore, a fearless critic and consistent voice against police brutality, is once again the target of harassment by the same institution he has persistently exposed.

“This arrest is nothing but a politically motivated witch-hunt.

“CHSR recalls that Sowore voluntarily honoured the police invitation by walking into the Force Headquarters, a gesture that demonstrates his respect for the law and transparency. Yet, in return, he was detained without justification.

“We therefore demand:The immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Omoyele Sowore.

“That if the Nigeria Police or any of its personnel believe they have a case against him, they should seek legal redress in a competent court of law, and not resort to gestapo tactics.

“That the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, must ensure his men desist from turning the Force into a tool of oppression.

“The continued harassment and unlawful detention of activists and human rights defenders by security agencies must stop.
“We reject and condemn, in the strongest terms, the ongoing double standards, selective justice, and impunity of the Nigeria Police Force.

“History will not forget where each institution stood when justice was on trial.”​