Following the arrest of activist, Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force, the Coalition of United Political Parties and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the pro-democracy activist
In their separate statements on Thursday, both groups condemned the arrest, describing it as a violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights and an abuse of police authority.
National Secretary of CUPP, Peter Ameh, said Sowore’s detention flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and opinion, adding that the police had turned into an instrument of oppression and called for accountability.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police, an act that flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and share ideas without interference.
“This arrest is not only unjust but also a disturbing misuse of police power, turning an institution meant to protect Nigerians into a tool for oppression and personal vendettas. This arrest is a blatant abuse of power and an affront to the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in the constitution.
Similarly, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors, in a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, also condemned Sowore’s continued detention and gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release him or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The group said Sowore’s arrest was part of a pattern of harassment, alleging that state institutions were being misused to suppress dissent.
They warned that a continued clampdown on critics could erode democratic values and civic freedoms.
The statement called on all progressive forces, civil society groups, student unions, labour movements and the general public to rise in unity against the growing tyranny and misuse of state power, adding that Nigeria belongs to us all, and no government has the right to crush dissent in a democratic society
The police are yet to issue an official response to the reason for Sowore’s arrest.
