Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to immediately reverse the reported revocation of the bail granted to activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a serious threat to freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and civil liberties in the country.
The Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly ordered Sowore’s arrest over his alleged absence from proceedings in a cyberbullying case linked to social media posts in which he referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Amnesty International stated that the case appears to be tied to peaceful expression and criticism of public officials—rights it says are protected under both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The rights group warned that the use of criminal proceedings and restrictive bail conditions against dissenting voices risks creating a chilling effect on free speech, weakening civic space, and undermining public confidence in the justice system.
It further called on authorities to ensure full respect for due process, fair trial standards, and the protection of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders from intimidation or harassment.
