RULAAC Condemns Arrest of Omoyele Sowore and Other Peaceful Protesters: A Grave Threat to Democracy and Civic Freedom

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) strongly condemns the recent arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and several other peaceful demonstrators by the Nigeria Police Force during the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest in Abuja. This act represents not only a blatant violation of fundamental human rights but also a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and civic space.

It is deeply troubling that the police have attempted to justify these arrests by citing a court order purportedly restricting protests in certain parts of Abuja. According to the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Sowore allegedly “led protesters into a restricted area” — a claim we find both legally untenable and morally inconsistent.

At RULAAC, we maintain that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and further reinforced by Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which forms part of Nigerian law. These rights cannot be overridden by any administrative directive or judicial order.

It is ironic and disturbing that the same authorities who routinely disobey valid court orders — including those directing the release of Nnamdi Kanu and compensations awarded to victims of human rights abuses — are now invoking a court order to justify the suppression of peaceful dissent. Selective obedience to court rulings undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in our justice system.

Let it be clear: peaceful protest is not a crime. It is a legitimate and democratic means through which citizens express dissent, demand justice, and hold leaders accountable. Targeting human rights defenders and activists like Sowore for exercising these fundamental freedoms marks a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.

RULAAC therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters. We urge the Nigeria Police to refrain from further actions that violate citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

We also call on the judiciary to resist any attempt to weaponize court orders against citizens who simply seek justice and accountability.

Nigeria cannot truly claim to be a democracy while punishing citizens for demanding adherence to the rule of law. We must decide whether we stand for freedom and justice — or for fear and repression.