Rights Groups, Activist Demand Immediate Release Of Sowore, Call For Visa Ban On IGP Egbetokun

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN), Youth Arise Movement, and a human rights activist, Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar, have strongly condemned the assault and continued detention of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force.

They demanded his immediate and unconditional release and called on foreign governments to impose a visa ban on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement issued by its Secretary, Comrade Iortyom Moses, the WYSN stressed that police brutality and detention must end, adding that the “IGP will be held accountable for the activist’s safety and constitutional rights.”

The group described Sowore’s detention as unlawful, accusing the police of procedural and constitutional violations.

“We have identified multiple procedural and constitutional infractions in Sowore's case, including conflict of interest: The police are acting as both complainant and investigator, violating principles of natural justice,” the statement read.

It also cited “questionable petitions” by senior officers, the seizure of Sowore’s passport earlier this year, and political motivation as factors behind his arrest.

“This latest incident represents an escalation in what appears to be a systematic campaign of harassment against Sowore for his advocacy work,” WYSN said, adding that the activist’s anti-corruption campaigns have made him a target for the authorities.

The group demanded Sowore’s unconditional release or formal arraignment within constitutional timelines, immediate medical care for injuries allegedly sustained in custody, and an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.

“The Inspector General of Police must be held responsible for these violations of human rights and due process. We call for the immediate sack of IGP Egbetokun,” the group stated.

The WYSN also warned of mass protests if Sowore is not freed, stressing, “If the Nigeria Police Force fails to release Omoyele Sowore immediately, we will mobilize Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest against the Inspector General of Police.

“Furthermore, we demand the immediate removal of the Inspector General of Police if he continues to abuse his public office and violate the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.”

Similarly, the Youth Arise Movement, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Babatunde Ademola, condemned Sowore’s detention.

“Omoyele Sowore’s right is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights law and he deserves dignity,” Ademola said.

The group expressed concern over Sowore’s unknown whereabouts, calling the arrest part of a “troubling pattern of state repression” against activists and journalists.

“It is unacceptable in a democratic society for security agencies to criminalize dissent and suppress legitimate calls for change through unlawful detention and intimidation,” Ademola added.

Highlighting Sowore’s history of arrests since 2019 and his designation as a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International, the group warned that his persecution is “not just an attack on one man — it is an attack on all Nigerians who believe in freedom, equity, and a better future.”

The group demanded his immediate release, urging the IGP to respect the rule of law and calling on civil society, the public, and the international community to speak out.

“Enough is enough. Injustice to one is injustice to all,” the group said, adding, “The police is a constitutional body and civil organization that is not above criticism. 

It said, “Nigeria is short of police personnel to confront the multifaceted criminality ongoing in our communities. The case of Sowore shows just how far the authorities in Nigeria can go to silence peaceful dissent.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police and all relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and ensure that security agencies act within the bounds of legality and professionalism.”

The group also called on civil society organizations, the Nigerian public, and the international community to speak out against injustice against Sowore and demand accountability.

Also, human rights campaigner Abubakar urged foreign governments to impose a visa ban on IGP Egbetokun for orchestrating Sowore’s arrest, detention and brutality.

“This is a day of shame for the Nigeria Police Force,” Abubakar declared. “Sowore’s only crime is exposing corruption and abuse of power. He must be released — now!”

The activist said that Sowore’s detention was pure retaliation for his recent expose on illegal police promotions, a scandal that directly implicated the IGP.

Describing the charges against Sowore as “bogus, politically motivated and laughable”, Abubakar demanded that President Bola Tinubu sack Egbetokun immediately. 

He also foreign embassies to slam the IGP with visa bans for his “blatant disregard for human rights.”

“From sham trials to intimidation, the police have turned against the very citizens they swore to protect,” Abubakar said. 

“Sowore is a journalist, not a criminal. We will not be silenced.”

Abubakar praised Amnesty International Nigeria for “standing with the oppressed” and called for a united civil society front to force Sowore’s release.

“This is bigger than Sowore,” he warned. “If they can do this to him, they can do it to anyone. Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta — the struggle continues, victory is certain.”