Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, has been detained by the police after rejecting bail over stringent conditions. The activist announced on social media that he is being held at the Abattoir police station in Guzape, Abuja, following his refusal to accept what he described as “illegal bail conditions.”
The conditions reportedly included the provision of a Level 17 civil servant as a surety and the surrendering of his passport. Sowore deemed these conditions punitive and politically motivated, leading to his decision to remain in police custody.
In response to his detention, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the police’s actions. They argue that the bail conditions imposed on Sowore are a direct violation of his rights and an attempt to suppress dissent.
Sowore’s detention underscores the ongoing challenges faced by activists in Nigeria, where freedom of speech and political expression are often contested. His refusal to accept the bail conditions highlights the tensions between civil society and the government, reflecting broader concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms in the country.
As of now, Sowore remains in detention, with his legal team exploring options to challenge the bail conditions and secure his release. The situation continues to draw national and international attention, prompting discussions about the state of human rights and political freedoms in Nigeria.