Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of Omoyele Sowore and several other activists by the Nigeria Police, describing it as a blatant assault on the country’s democracy and citizens’ constitutional rights.
Sowore and 12 others were reportedly re-arrested on Friday outside the Kuje Magistrate Court shortly after being granted bail for participating in a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Videos circulating online showed police officers dragging Sowore into a waiting vehicle, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Atiku expressed dismay over what he termed a “disturbing pattern of intolerance” by security agencies towards peaceful dissent. He said the right to protest is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and must not be criminalized under any circumstance.
“It is deeply troubling that citizens exercising their democratic rights are being hounded, brutalized, and detained. Such actions undermine the very foundation of our democracy and portray Nigeria in a negative light before the international community,” Atiku stated.
He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to order the immediate release of Sowore and other detained protesters, urging the government to respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
“At moments like this, leadership must rise above repression and embrace dialogue,” Atiku added. “Democracy thrives when voices are heard, not silenced.”
The arrest has reignited debate over freedom of expression and assembly in Nigeria, with many critics accusing the government of shrinking civic space and weaponizing security institutions against opposition voices.
As of Saturday evening, police authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding Sowore’s re-arrest.
