SERAP Urges FG to Release Sowore, Drop Charges

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Government to immediately release activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore and discontinue all criminal defamation and cybercrime charges filed against him.

The call followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordering Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.

Justice Mohammed Umar also dismissed an application seeking his recusal from the matter over allegations of bias.

Reacting to the development, SERAP, in a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, expressed concern over what it described as a growing crackdown on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and media freedom in Nigeria.

The organisation argued that Sowore was being detained solely for exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights.

“We are concerned about the escalating crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and media freedom and the flagrant disregard for the rule of law by Nigerian authorities,” SERAP stated.

The rights group urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to release Sowore unconditionally and discontinue what it described as “bogus charges” against him.

According to SERAP, authorities should stop using criminal defamation and cybercrime laws to target journalists, bloggers, activists and human rights defenders.

The organisation further alleged that public officials increasingly rely on restrictive laws to suppress criticism and silence dissenting voices.

SERAP warned that continued intimidation and prosecution of journalists and activists could have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and public participation in governance.

It maintained that criticism of public officials and government policies is a legitimate part of democratic governance and should not attract criminal sanctions.

“The right to criticise public officials and government policies is a fundamental component of any democratic society,” the organisation said.

SERAP also called for a review of laws such as the Official Secrets Act, Criminal Code Act and Cybercrime Act, arguing that some provisions could undermine free speech and press freedom.

Sowore is currently facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged criminal defamation after reportedly describing President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts published on his social media platforms.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and continues to challenge the case in court.