SERAP Demands Immediate Release of Sowore, Condemns Detention as Rights Violation

Abuja, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the reported detention of Omoyele Sowore, journalist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), urging the Nigerian Police to release him without delay.

In a statement issued Thursday, the rights group described Sowore’s continued detention and prosecution as a clear breach of Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

“The Nigerian police must end the persecution of Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights,” SERAP stated, calling for all charges against him to be dropped immediately.

The organization emphasized that Sowore’s detention constitutes arbitrary imprisonment and violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — all of which prohibit unlawful detention.

“These are binding treaties, and no one should be detained merely for peacefully expressing their views,” the statement added.

SERAP warned that the growing trend of repressing dissent threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles and civil freedoms, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights regardless of political views.

 “Continued clampdown on peaceful dissent undermines democracy and must be halted,” it concluded.

Sowore, a vocal critic of government policies and pro-democracy campaigner, has repeatedly been targeted for arrest and detention in recent years over his advocacy for systemic political reform.

By Adeola Olaniya | August 7, 2025