Nigeria: Authorities Must Reverse Revocation of Sowore’s Bail and Respect Freedom of Expression—Amnesty

The reported revocation of Sahara Reporters publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore’s bail represents a deeply troubling development that risks undermining the rights to liberty, fair trial and freedom of expression in Nigeria, Amnesty International said today.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered his arrest over his alleged absence from proceedings in which he faces cyberbullying charges for calling President Bola Tinubu “a criminal” in social media posts last year. The judge also reportedly issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest, following an oral application by the prosecution.

The revocation of Sowore’s bail is linked to the peaceful expression of his views, and criticism of public officials, which are clearly protected under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

The revocation of Sowore’s bail violates his rights to freedom of expression, liberty and a fair trial. Any restrictions on these rights must be lawful, necessary and proportionate. They must never be used as a means of silencing criticism or suppressing peaceful dissent.

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any rule of law based society. Public figures, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and political commentators must be able to express opinions, criticize government policies and participate in public debate without fear of arrest, detention or other forms of retaliation.

The use of criminal proceedings, restrictive bail conditions, or misuse of the criminal justice system to punish or deter legitimate expression creates a chilling effect that extends far beyond the individual concerned. Such actions discourage others from speaking out, weaken civic space and undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

The authorities must immediately drop all bogus charges against Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. They must fully comply with international fair trial standards and respect due process guarantees.

Nigerian authorities must uphold and respect the right to freedom of expression, including criticism of public officials and government policies, and refrain from using criminal law, judicial processes or restrictive measures to intimidate, harass or silence critics, journalists, activists and human rights defenders.

Authorities must demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law and human rights by ensuring that no one is deprived of their liberty or subjected to abuse of the judicial system simply for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression.