Human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore was re-arrested by Nigerian police shortly after a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, granted him bail. The court had released Sowore alongside other protesters connected to the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstrations, ordering bail set at ₦500,000 each, subject to conditions including verified national ID, tax clearance, and passport submission.
Sowore was initially detained following protests calling for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. His rearrest immediately after a bail ruling sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, who viewed it as an attempt to suppress dissent and intimidate activists.
The police have yet to formally charge Sowore in relation to the latest arrest, with his lawyer confirming the detention but emphasizing the lack of concrete legal grounds publicly disclosed so far.
Sowore remains a prominent voice for democracy and social justice in Nigeria, known for fearless journalism exposing corruption and government misconduct. This latest development underscores ongoing tensions between the government and activists pushing for political reforms and accountability.
The cycle of arrest, bail, and rearrest illustrates the challenges faced by dissenting voices in Nigeria’s volatile political climate, raising critical questions about freedom of expression and the rule of law.
The situation continues to attract national and international attention as advocates call for due process and respect for human rights in Nigeria’s justice system.