Date: June 23, 2026 l Reporter: Kingston Bill
Two civil society organisations, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) and the Democratic Lawyers Association (DLA), have condemned the remand of Nigerian activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a politically motivated attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the groups expressed concern over Sowore’s continued detention, arguing that the action raises serious questions about the state of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The organisations maintained that criticism of government policies and actions should not be criminalised in a democratic society.
FENRAD and DLA said the use of legal and security institutions against political activists and government critics threatens constitutional freedoms and weakens public confidence in the rule of law. According to the groups, democratic governance requires tolerance of opposing viewpoints and protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful advocacy and protest.
The organisations called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Sowore are conducted transparently and in accordance with constitutional and international human rights standards. They also urged the judiciary to remain independent and resist any form of political interference.
The condemnation follows growing criticism from several civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates over recent legal actions involving Sowore, who has long been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s activism and democratic reform movements. Various organisations have argued that the charges and detention measures against him risk being perceived as efforts to suppress legitimate political opposition and civic engagement.
Sowore, founder of SaharaReporters and a former presidential candidate, has been involved in multiple legal disputes with Nigerian authorities over the years, often linked to his activism and public criticism of government policies. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for the protection of his constitutional rights and the rights of other activists facing prosecution.
FENRAD and DLA concluded by urging national and international stakeholders to closely monitor the case, warning that actions perceived as politically motivated could have broader implications for civic freedoms and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The case continues to attract attention from legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and political observers as debates intensify over the balance between national security, lawful prosecution, and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.