By Muhammad Mamman
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju says he has been denied access to his client, Omoyele Sowore, who remains in police custody in Abuja.
Mr Sowore, a well-known campaigner and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was reportedly arrested by officers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command under yet-to-be-clarified circumstances. He is believed to have been taken into custody following a peaceful protest on Wednesday.
Mr Adeyanju, who arrived at the police facility to see his client, said officers on duty refused him entry and offered no explanation for their actions. He described the move as a blatant violation of Sowore’s fundamental rights and a worrying sign of intolerance towards dissent.
“This is a clear attempt to silence voices of truth and accountability,” Adeyanju said, urging the police authorities and the Federal Government to respect the rule of law and immediately release the detained activist or charge him to court.
Human rights groups have condemned the arrest, calling it part of a broader pattern of intimidation against activists and journalists critical of the government.
Police spokespersons have yet to issue an official statement regarding Sowore’s arrest or the alleged denial of access to his lawyer.
