Amnesty International has called on the federal government to immediately end what it described as the “relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution” of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
The organisation said Sowore is being targeted solely for peacefully exercising his human rights.
Sowore is facing multiple charges, including alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by the Inspector-General of police.
In a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty said the arraignment of the activist was “yet another attempt to crack down on his human rights”.
“This travesty of justice must stop,” Amnesty said.
The group urged authorities to drop all charges against him and end what it called “a politically motivated investigation”.
Amnesty also faulted the probe of bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters, his media platform, describing it as part of a wider clampdown on civic space and dissent in Nigeria.
“Filing additional charges and fresh cases against him is clearly aimed at targeting Sahara Reporters, which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest,” the organisation said.
Amnesty said Sowore must be allowed to exercise his rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association without interference.
It also raised concerns about allegations of torture and ill-treatment of the activist in police detention, urging authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The organisation recalled that Sowore, declared a prisoner of conscience in 2019, has faced repeated arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions and other human rights violations for advocating social justice and the rule of law.