CUPP, others demand immediate release of Sowore

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Police. In a separate statement, Thursday in Abuja, Arewa Youth Ambassadors also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore. CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore’s arrest was unconstitutional and must not be allowed to stand. Ameh noted that Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was entitled to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution. He said the law guarantees the right to hold opinions and share ideas freely, without fear or interference from any authority. “This arrest is a clear abuse of power and violates the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in our Constitution,” Ameh stated. He added that the police must explain the reasons behind Sowore’s arrest to the public. “Denying him bail is unjustifiable and reflects a dangerous use of power aimed at suppressing dissent,” he said. Ameh insisted that Sowore must be released immediately and unconditionally, or charged to court if there is any legitimate case. He further questioned how someone could attain the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police within just 10 years of service. Such a rapid promotion, he argued, raises valid concerns about systemic corruption and favouritism within the police structure. Ameh called for a public inquiry to ensure fairness and transparency in promotions within the Nigerian Police Force. He said using the police to harass or silence citizens should be condemned by every well-meaning Nigerian. “Accountability is our collective duty, and we must resist any attempts to stifle free speech,” he added. Ameh urged the Nigerian Police to uphold the rule of law and stop serving as a tool for oppression.  In a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, Arewa Youth Ambassadors berated Sowore’s continued detention. The group therefore gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release Sowore or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. According the group, Sowore’s arrest was part of a pattern of harassment, alleging that state institutions were being misused to suppress dissent. Nigerian Anchor checks reveal that as of this Friday morning, Sowore remains in detention at a police facility in Abuja.

Whistleblower, Isaac Bristol granted bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, also known as PIDOMNIGERIA, bail.   This was announced by the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in a short post on his X handle.   Recall that the court had, on the 11 of September 2024, postponed his bail hearing to the 27th of this month.   His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju had confirmed the postponement in a WhatsApp message.   “The court granted bail to the protesters, but moved Bristol’s bail application to the 27th of this month,” Adeyanju said.   Bristol, after his arrest by the police in August 2024, was charged with nine counts, which included terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, and evidence tampering.   The charges are in connection with his whistleblowing activities, where he was alleged to operate the X handle of “@PIDOMNigeria,” where exposes alleged misccountry of public officials and regular Nigerians.  

FG Drops Treasonable Felony Case Against Sowore

The Federal Government has officially declared its intention to discontinue the long-standing treasonable felony case against the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, also known as Mandate. The announcement was conveyed through a document dated February 15, 2024, by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.  The document, addressed to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, cited constitutional powers as the basis for discontinuing Charge No FHC/ABI/CR/235/2019. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, had previously threatened to strike out the case due to the prosecution team’s inability to articulate their arguments in court.  This decision follows over four years of legal proceedings in the high-profile case. Meanwhile, Sowore, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2019 ahead of a planned #RevolutionNow protest, has expressed his intention to sue the Federal Government and the DSS for ₦1billion.  In an exclusive telephone interview, Sowore highlighted the trauma inflicted on him and his family during his detention and subsequent confinement in Nigeria. Sowore asserted, “I didn’t commit any crime; they only decided to waste my time and the resources of the country. But we’re not giving up. I will sue the Federal Government of Nigeria and the DSS for ₦1billion as compensation for the cost of time and resources, mental and financial trauma, and also for the assassination of my brother, Olajide Sowore during this five-year period that I was abducted, detained, and now confined to Nigeria while they seized my passport.”