Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Prominent human rights lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has condemned the arrest of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as unconstitutional and an assault on fundamental human rights.
Omirhobo, in a strongly worded statement issued in Lagos, expressed deep concern over what he termed the “continued erosion of democratic freedoms” in Nigeria, following Sowore’s detention by security operatives in Abuja after a peaceful demonstration.
According to him, Sowore’s only action was participating in a lawful and peaceful protest against the continued detention of fellow citizens, an act protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
“This arrest is not just unlawful but a clear violation of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” Omirhobo said.
He emphasized that peaceful protest remains a legitimate avenue for citizens to demand justice, accountability, and good governance, adding that criminalizing such actions undermines democracy itself.
Omirhobo called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore and urged authorities to desist from using state power to silence dissenting voices. He also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the international community to take swift action in addressing what he described as “a dangerous precedent.”
“Detaining Sowore for standing up for constitutional principles is an attack on every Nigerian who believes in democracy,” he noted. “We must defend our right to speak, to protest, and to hold power accountable — peacefully and lawfully.”
He further stressed that Nigeria cannot lay claim to being a democracy while journalists, activists, and citizens continue to face harassment and intimidation for expressing dissent.
Chief Omirhobo concluded by reaffirming that defending the rights of citizens to free speech and peaceful protest is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
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