Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has condemned the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, over a recent protest demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Naijaonpoint recalls that police arrested Sowore on Wednesday, but an Abuja magistrate court granted him bail on Friday, alongside others arrested during the Nnamdi Kanu protest.
However, the police rearrested Sowore outside the court despite the bail.
In a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Frank demanded the immediate release of Sowore and others arrested for protesting.
According to him, Sowore’s arrest is an assault on freedom of speech and represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism.
He said, “We strongly condemn this reckless action as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The arrest of Sowore is not only unjustifiable but also represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in a country that claims to operate under democratic principles.
“The right to protest, to assemble, and to hold government accountable are fundamental pillars of any true democracy,” he said. “Suppressing these rights through intimidation and arbitrary arrests is a betrayal of the democratic promises made to the Nigerian people.”
Timi Frank called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and all relevant authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other peaceful protesters arrested in Abuja and across the country.
He urged the government to focus on addressing pressing national issues rather than silencing dissent.
He added, “Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights by ending the culture of fear and intimidation.”
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