Protests: Atiku Demands Release Of Sowore, Others

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Police arrest of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, as well as other protesters. The Nigeria Police Force said it arrested the human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, for luring protesters into a restricted area to protest in contravention of an order of a court.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said this during a media conference on Thursday in Abuja.

“Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, and the reason is that the 13 people that were arrested previously in connection to the “FreeNnadiKanu” protest gave their statements.

Atiku, who described the arrest as disappointing said  those in power today once thrived on protests.

He further added that he was shocked that in 2025, decades after having  defeated military rule, the current government still treats dissent as a crime.

In a post on X, Atiku said, “I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, @YeleSowore, by the Nigeria Police, as well as the arrest of several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.

“I am shocked and disappointed, but not surprised. Shocked that in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime. Disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests. But not surprised, for Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be, if we allow him.

“Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom is a new low, an open assault on democracy and a grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law. The arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country only deepens the stain. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.

“I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest. This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices. Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny,” he said.