Amnesty International Condemns Revocation of Sowore’s Bail, Demands Protection of Free Speech

By Editor In-cheif Public Eye News

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Amnesty International has strongly criticized the reported revocation of the bail granted to activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a serious threat to fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, liberty, and fair trial guarantees in Nigeria.

The human rights organization made its position known following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which reportedly ordered Sowore’s arrest over his alleged absence from court proceedings in a cyberbullying case linked to social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.”

According to Amnesty International, the court’s decision and the subsequent issuance of a bench warrant against Sowore raise significant concerns about the shrinking civic space and the treatment of dissenting voices in the country.

The organization argued that Sowore’s comments fall within the scope of constitutionally protected freedom of expression and are safeguarded under Nigeria’s international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Amnesty International maintained that criticism of public officials, government policies, and political leadership is a legitimate component of democratic engagement and should not attract punitive legal measures.

“The revocation of Sowore’s bail violates his rights to freedom of expression, liberty and a fair trial,” the organization stated, emphasizing that any restrictions on fundamental rights must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.

The rights group further warned against the use of criminal proceedings, restrictive bail conditions, or judicial processes as tools for silencing critics, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. It noted that such actions create a chilling effect on free speech, discourage public participation in governance, and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.

Amnesty International stressed that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of every democratic society governed by the rule of law, adding that citizens must be able to express opinions and challenge public authorities without fear of arrest, detention, or retaliation.

The organization called on Nigerian authorities to immediately withdraw what it described as politically motivated charges against Sowore if they are solely related to the peaceful exercise of his fundamental rights.

It also urged the government and judicial authorities to uphold due process, comply with international fair trial standards, and ensure that no individual is deprived of liberty for peacefully exercising constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

The statement comes amid growing debates over the protection of civil liberties, digital rights, and freedom of expression in Nigeria, with local and international rights organizations increasingly raising concerns over the use of cybercrime-related laws against journalists, activists, and government critics.

Amnesty International concluded by urging Nigerian authorities to demonstrate a genuine commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights by safeguarding the rights of all citizens to freely express their views without intimidation or fear of prosecution.

About The Author