ANEEJ CONDEMNS ARREST AND DETENTION OF OMOYELE SOWORE, CALLS ON DSS TO RESPECT DUE PROCESS AND RULE OF LAW

ABUJA, NIGERIA. June 22, 2026 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) strongly condemns the arrest, detention and remand of human rights activist and Publisher of SaharaReporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as another disturbing signal of the shrinking civic space, growing intolerance of dissent and the increasing use of state institutions to intimidate citizens who speak out on issues of governance, accountability and justice and called for his immediate and unconditional release.

“ANEEJ is deeply concerned that a human rights activist and publisher could be subjected to detention in circumstances that raise serious questions about respect for due process, judicial fairness and the rule of law. The Department of State Services and all security agencies must understand that their mandate is to protect the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to suppress dissent, criminalise free expression or intimidate citizens who hold strong views about governance. We want the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore,” said Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ.

ANEEJ noted that democracy cannot thrive where citizens, activists, journalists and civil society actors are constantly exposed to arrest, harassment or detention for exercising their constitutional rights to free expression, peaceful civic engagement and political participation. The organisation said the treatment of Sowore should worry every Nigerian who believes in democracy, justice and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

According to ANEEJ, security agencies must at all times operate within the bounds of the law, respect court processes and avoid actions that may be interpreted as persecution or political intimidation. The organisation called on the DSS to ensure that Mr. Sowore’s rights are fully protected and that every step taken in the matter complies strictly with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

“Even where the state believes that an offence has been committed, the proper approach is to follow due process, respect the presumption of innocence and allow the courts to determine the matter without intimidation, executive pressure or abuse of power. The use of detention as a tool of punishment before conviction is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” Ugolor stated.

ANEEJ further expressed concern over reports that Mr. Sowore had requested the recusal of the presiding judge on the ground that he sensed bias in the handling of the matter. The organisation stated that where a defendant raises a genuine concern about possible bias, the court must treat such concern with the seriousness it deserves in order to protect public confidence in the judiciary.

“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. Where an accused person expresses a reasonable fear of bias and asks a judge to recuse himself, the court should be guided by the established principles of fair hearing, impartiality and public confidence in the administration of justice. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and nothing should be done to weaken citizens’ trust in its independence,” Rev. Ugolor added.

The organisation said Sowore’s personal reaction to his remand reflects the resilience of citizens who continue to demand justice, accountability and democratic reform in Nigeria. ANEEJ, however, urged all citizens and state institutions to remain committed to peaceful, lawful and constitutional means of engagement.

ANEEJ called on the Federal Government to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic freedoms by ensuring that security agencies do not act in ways that undermine civil liberties, press freedom and the right of citizens to criticise public officials. The organisation warned that continued harassment of activists, journalists and dissenting voices could further damage Nigeria’s democratic image and weaken public trust in government institutions.

The organisation also called on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, the media and the international community to closely monitor the case and insist on due process, fair hearing and respect for fundamental human rights.

“The rule of law is the foundation of democracy. No society can claim to be democratic when citizens are afraid to speak, journalists are intimidated, activists are detained and security agencies act as though they are above constitutional restraint. ANEEJ calls for the immediate protection of Mr. Sowore’s rights and urges the DSS, the judiciary and all relevant authorities to ensure that justice, fairness and due process prevail,” Ugolor said.

ANEEJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending civic space, promoting accountability and standing with citizens, journalists and human rights defenders who work for justice, transparency and democratic governance in Nigeria.

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