Sowore: Northern Group Demands Probe Of Attack, Prosecution Of Perpetrators

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has condemned the attack on human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
It demanded a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those found culpable.

The convener of the group, Ambassador Yerima Shettima, described the attack on Sowore and his team members as unacceptable, regardless of political affiliations or personal disagreements.

Shettima called on security agencies to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation, stressing that the arrest of suspects should mark the beginning of a credible process to establish their individual roles in the incident.

He urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was guided by facts and evidence, without political interference or external pressure, to guarantee justice.

The convener said anyone found to have participated in the attack or aided the violence should face the full weight of the law, while the rights of all suspects must be respected in accordance with due process.

“Those found to have participated in the attack or aided and abetted the violence must face the full weight of the law. Equally, the rights of all suspects must be respected, and the investigation must follow due process,” he said.

Shettima warned against the use of violence in response to disagreement, criticism or the expression of dissenting views, stressing that freedom of expression and personal safety were fundamental democratic rights.

He also urged political actors, public figures and their supporters to embrace tolerance and peaceful engagement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring that Nigerians can express their opinions without intimidation or violence.