Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, calling it an attack on democracy and urging his immediate release.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian police, describing it as “an open assault on democracy” and evidence of the Tinubu administration’s “contempt for the rule of law.”
In a statement on his verified X handle on Thursday, Atiku said, “I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore… and several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.”
He expressed disappointment, noting that “in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime.” Atiku demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Sowore and all arrested protesters, insisting that “protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.”
Sowore was reportedly arrested inside a courtroom on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police. His lawyer, Tope Temokun, said the activist was deceived into unlawful detention.