Amnesty Slams Nigerian Authorities for “Outrageous” Attempt to Silence Activist Sowore

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the Nigerian government’s relentless efforts to suppress human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, calling the latest moves to silence him “outrageous” and a blatant abuse of power.

The Department of State Service (DSS) recently demanded the deactivation of Sowore’s X and Facebook accounts, a move Amnesty International decried as lacking any legal basis under international human rights law. The organization also criticized the authorities’ attempt to subject Sowore to another trial on what it described as “bogus charges,” labeling it a desperate bid to censor dissent.

“This targeting of Sowore’s social media use violates Nigeria’s obligations under the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Nigeria has ratified,” Amnesty International Nigeria stated. The group emphasized that governments do not have the authority to dictate free speech.

Amnesty highlighted a decade-long pattern of repression in Nigeria, where authorities have increasingly harassed, intimidated, prosecuted, and imprisoned individuals for their social media activity. “This creates a chilling environment where people are terrified to speak their minds,” the statement read.

The organization accused the Nigerian government of using tactics to evade scrutiny and accountability, a strategy it says is common among repressive regimes worldwide. Amnesty called on the authorities to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and to cease their campaign against Sowore.

Sowore, a prominent activist and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced repeated arrests and legal battles, which critics argue are politically motivated to stifle his advocacy for good governance and accountability.

Amnesty International Nigeria urged the government to end its crackdown on dissent and respect the fundamental rights of its citizens. The case has sparked widespread concern among human rights groups, with many calling for international pressure to protect Sowore and others facing similar persecution.