SERAP raises alarm over Sowore’s bail revocation

n n

…Warns of Rights Abuse, Chilling Effect on Press Freedom

n

….Condemns alleged pattern of reprisals against journalists, activists under Tinubu administration

n

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed strong concern over the reported revocation of bail granted to journalist and activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the development as part of a troubling pattern of harassment and judicial abuse against critics of government.

n

SERAP made its position known in a statement shared on its official Facebook page, reacting to reports that the court ordered Sowore’s arrest over allegations of cyberbullying linked to social media comments he allegedly made about President Bola Tinubu.

n

The organisation also noted that the court reportedly issued a bench warrant for Sowore following an application by the Department of State Services (DSS).

n

According to SERAP, the revocation of bail represents an escalation in what it described as repeated reprisals against Sowore for his human rights work and outspoken advocacy on governance, accountability and rule of law reforms.

n

The group said it was deeply concerned that Sowore continues to face what it called “spurious charges” and targeted legal actions, warning that such measures risk undermining democratic freedoms and discouraging civic engagement.

n

SERAP further cautioned that the use of judicial processes to address criticism of public officials could create a chilling effect on journalists, civil society organisations, activists and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

n

It also expressed concern over what it described as a broader pattern of arrests, prosecutions and legal actions targeting government critics under the current administration, warning that such trends could foster fear and self-censorship.

n

“The right to criticize public officials and government policies is a fundamental component of any democratic society,” the group stated, stressing that public office holders must tolerate higher levels of scrutiny than private citizens.

n

SERAP maintained that legal processes should never be used to punish or silence dissenting voices or individuals engaged in legitimate public-interest advocacy.

n

The organisation also raised concerns about due process, selective application of the law and restrictions on liberty, arguing that the revocation of Sowore’s bail undermines the presumption of innocence and the right to fair trial as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

n

It further stressed that pretrial detention and restrictions on liberty must remain exceptional, necessary and proportionate, warning against the misuse of bail processes as a punitive tool.

n

According to SERAP, such developments raise serious questions about judicial independence, access to justice and adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.

n

The group called on Nigerian authorities to immediately withdraw what it described as unjust charges against Sowore, reverse the bail revocation and ensure that no measures are taken to arbitrarily restrict his liberty.

n

It also urged the government to guarantee that Sowore is able to carry out his journalism and human rights activities without intimidation, harassment or reprisals.

n

SERAP further called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s bail system to ensure compliance with constitutional and international human rights obligations, stressing the need to protect personal liberty, strengthen access to justice and prevent arbitrary detention.

n

The organisation warned that failure to address these concerns could further erode public trust in democratic institutions and weaken respect for human rights in the country.

n n