Human rights group Amnesty International calls for the reinstatement of Sowore's bail and denounces the infringement of his rights.

Nigerian authorities are being urged to immediately reverse the reported revocation of Omoyele Sowore's bail, a move Amnesty International describes as a deeply troubling development that erodes fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and liberty.

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This call was made in a statement posted on Amnesty International's X platform on Thursday, in response to a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that ordered Sowore's arrest due to his alleged absence from court.

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Sowore, an activist and publisher, is facing cyberbullying charges related to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal", sparking a fierce backlash from the authorities.

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A bench warrant was also issued for Sowore's arrest following an oral application by the prosecution, further escalating the situation and prompting widespread concern from human rights groups.

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Amnesty International has expressed serious concerns over the revocation of Sowore's bail, citing its connection to the peaceful expression of opinion and criticism of public officials, which are protected under the 1999 Constitution and international human rights instruments.

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The organisation has stressed that any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet strict standards of necessity, proportionality, and legitimacy, warning that such powers should never be used to silence dissent or punish criticism.

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According to Amnesty International, freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any society based on the rule of law, and journalists, activists, and human rights defenders must be allowed to express opinions and criticise government policies without fear of arrest or intimidation.

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The use of criminal proceedings or restrictive bail conditions to punish legitimate expression could have a chilling effect on civic space, discouraging public participation and weakening confidence in the justice system, the organisation has warned.

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Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to drop the "bogus charges" against Sowore if they are based solely on the peaceful exercise of his rights, and to strictly observe due process and international fair trial standards.

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The organisation has also called on the government to refrain from using judicial processes or criminal law to harass, intimidate, or silence critics, journalists, and activists, and to uphold respect for human rights and the rule of law.

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Ultimately, Amnesty International has reiterated its call on Nigerian authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees and international obligations on freedom of expression and fair trial rights, ensuring that no individual is deprived of liberty or subjected to abuse of court processes simply for expressing dissenting views.