Amnesty International has criticized Nigerian authorities for repeatedly harassing and persecuting human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement on its X account, the global human rights organization condemned the ongoing trial of Sowore on charges of terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud, calling the accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
The statement follows a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered six banks to provide the police with details of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his companies as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism funding and money laundering.
Persecondnews reports that Justice Nwite, in a ruling on Tuesday, August 26, held that the police application was meritorious.
“I have listened to the submission of the counsel to the applicant and I have also gone through the affidavit evidence.
“I am of the view and so hold that the application is meritorious. The prayer is hereby granted as prayed,” the judge ruled.
AI described Sowore’s arraignment as another attempt to crack down on his human rights.
The statement reads: “Authorities must immediately drop all the charges against him and end the politically motivated investigation.
“Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to a purported investigation is part of a wider attempt to crack down on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria.
“Filing additional charges and a fresh case against him is clearly aimed at targeting Sahara Reporters, which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest.
“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
“Omoyele Sowore — who was declared Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019 has endured repeated arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other violations of his human rights solely for carrying out peaceful activism for human rights, social justice, and the rule of law in the country.”
Sowore’s ordeal followed a campaign against Egbetokun’s leadership of the police force.
Persecondnews recalls that the activist has labeled Egbetokun an ‘illegal’ IGP due to his tenure extension beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Sowore alleged that the extension is part of plot to rig the 2027 elections.
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