The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) has vehemently condemned the indefinite detention of renowned human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police, describing it as a gross abuse of power and a calculated attempt to stifle dissent and free speech.
Sowore, a prominent voice for social justice and good governance in Nigeria, was summoned via a police invitation letter dated January 23, 2025. The letter alleged multiple charges, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, and cyberstalking. His detention followed his refusal to accept what he described as “illegal” bail conditions imposed after his exposé on police officers allegedly extorting motorists in Ikeja, Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Monday, CODWA’s Executive Director, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, dismissed the charges as “baseless, politically motivated, and emblematic of a broader campaign of harassment against activists and journalists.”
“CODWA is appalled by the Nigerian Police’s continued harassment and intimidation of law-abiding citizens, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power. This blatant abuse of authority is a stark reminder of colonial-era tactics designed to silence opposition and suppress activism,” Otitolaye stated.
CODWA drew parallels between Sowore’s ordeal and recent instances of alleged police overreach, including actions against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, highlighting a worrying trend of targeting dissenting voices.
“This is not an isolated incident. The Nigerian Police seem to have declared war on anyone challenging the status quo. Such acts of repression are unbecoming of a democratic state and represent a dire threat to the principles of justice and free expression,” the statement read.
The group further accused the police of neglecting their constitutional duty to protect citizens, emphasizing that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement.
CODWA issued a series of demands, calling for:
1. The immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore from detention.
2. The dismissal of all charges against him, which the group labeled as fabricated and malicious.
3. Concrete steps by the Nigerian government to address pressing security concerns, including kidnappings, cultism, and sexual violence, rather than focusing on silencing critics.
The statement urged civil society organizations, international bodies, and human rights advocates to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its actions, which CODWA argued are eroding the country’s democratic values.
“We cannot sit idly by as the rights of Nigerians are trampled upon by those entrusted with their protection. The police must be reminded that their primary responsibility is to safeguard citizens, not intimidate or harass them,” Otitolaye stated.
CODWA also appealed to Nigerians to rise in solidarity against the growing wave of police brutality. “For justice and democracy to prevail, we must collectively resist these attempts to undermine our fundamental rights. Let us demand justice not just for Sowore, but for every victim of police oppression,” Otitolaye urged.
The group warned that continued repression could lead to a dangerous erosion of public confidence in law enforcement and the government, urging immediate reform and accountability measures.
Omoyele Sowore’s detention has sparked outrage across civil society, with many viewing it as a litmus test for the Nigerian government’s commitment to democratic principles. CODWA’s strong stance serves as a clarion call for justice and a reminder of the enduring need to protect fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 