Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigerian government of applying double standards in the treatment of citizens from different ethnic backgrounds, particularly targeting the Igbos of the South-East.
Speaking on Arise News Channel ‘Prime Time’ show on Thursday night, Sowore lamented what he described as systemic marginalisation of the Igbos, especially in the handling of justice and security matters.
“If you are a Nigerian, you can get away with a lot of things, but if you are Igbo in Nigeria, you cannot,” Sowore claimed. “It was in this country that a Yoruba Nation movement was done — they even went and attacked a radio station in 2024. Did you hear of any arrest? Did you hear of any trial?”
The activist clarified that he was not calling for the persecution of any group, but insisted that justice must be applied equally.
“I am not saying that should be the case, but we must tell ourselves the truth,” he continued. “It just doesn’t look good that things are marginalised in every sector, including the justice sector.”
Sowore made the remarks while discussing the continued detention of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. He argued that Kanu’s ordeal reflects deeper issues of inequality and selective justice in Nigeria’s political system.
The former presidential candidate intensified his calls for Kanu’s release, accusing some South-East political leaders of sabotaging efforts to secure his freedom for fear of losing political influence in the region.
