Pressure is mounting on the Nigerian Police Force following the arrest of journalist and activist, Omoyele Sowore, as two political advocacy groups have called for his immediate and unconditional release.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors issued separate statements on Thursday condemning the arrest, describing it as unlawful and a violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights.
National Secretary of CUPP, Peter Ameh, said the arrest was not just a legal misstep but a dangerous attempt to silence free expression.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police,” he said. “It flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and share ideas without interference.”
Ameh accused the police of straying from their constitutional role and instead acting as tools of political suppression.
“This is a blatant abuse of power,” he said. “The police owe Nigerians an explanation. If there’s a case, charge him to court. Denying him bail is unacceptable.”
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors also criticised the arrest, warning of mass protests if Sowore is not released within 72 hours. In a statement signed by National Coordinator Yahaya Abdullahi, the group said the arrest was part of a wider campaign to silence dissent.
“We are giving the authorities 72 hours to release Sowore,” the group declared. “If not, we’ll mobilise peaceful protests across the 19 northern states and the FCT.”
The youth group called on civil society, student unions, and labour organisations to unite in resisting what they described as growing tyranny.
“No government has the right to crush dissent in a democracy,” the statement read. “Sowore’s arrest is not just about one man. It’s about defending the constitutional rights of every Nigerian.”
