Omirhobo Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Calls for Immediate Release

Human rights lawyer and activist, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of #freemazinnamdikanu convener, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as “unconstitutional, unjust, and deeply undemocratic.”

In a press statement released on Friday, Omirhobo expressed outrage over Sowore’s arrest, stating that his only “offence” was exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest against the unlawful detention of other citizens.

“I am deeply disturbed and angered by the arrest and continued detention of Omoyele Sowore. His only ‘offence’ was exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest,” the lawyer said.

Omirhobo emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, and that any attempt to suppress these rights represents a direct assault on democracy and human rights.

“Peaceful protest is not a crime. It is a legitimate and powerful tool for citizens to demand justice, accountability, and good governance,” he stated. “Detaining Sowore for standing up for these principles is an attack not only on him, but on every Nigerian who believes in democracy and human rights.”

The lawyer called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, as well as an end to the harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists, and citizens who speak out against injustice. He further demanded accountability for those responsible for what he termed “unconstitutional actions” by the authorities.

Omirhobo urged key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the international community, to intervene and pressure the government to respect human rights and the rule of law.

“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while silencing voices of dissent. Freedom for Sowore is freedom for us all,” he declared. “We must defend our right to speak, to protest, and to hold power accountable peacefully and lawfully.”

Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja while attending the court session of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The Police who arrested him, a few days after arresting Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor and others at the protest ground, said he was arrested for protesting at unauthorised places.