The Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked the bail of journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore and issued a bench warrant for his arrest — and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) says it's part of a frightening pattern.
The court acted on an application by the Department of State Services (DSS) alleging that Sowore made cyberbullying comments about President Bola Tinubu on social media. SERAP, in a statement on its Facebook page Thursday, called the move an escalation of what it described as repeated reprisals against Sowore for his human rights work and outspoken advocacy on governance and accountability.
Sowore is no stranger to legal battles with the state. The Sahara Reporters publisher was arrested in 2019 under the Buhari administration for allegedly calling for a revolution, spent months in DSS custody, and was only released after a global outcry and a court ruling. He has faced multiple charges since, including alleged money laundering and cyberstalking — charges his supporters say are aimed at silencing him.
SERAP argued that the use of judicial processes to punish criticism of public officials creates a chilling effect on journalists, civil society, and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression. "The right to criticize public officials and government policies is a fundamental component of any democratic society," the group said, stressing that public office holders must tolerate higher levels of scrutiny than private citizens.
The organisation also raised concerns about due process, selective application of the law, and restrictions on liberty. It said the bail revocation undermines the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial guaranteed under Nigeria's Constitution and international human rights treaties. Pretrial detention, SERAP noted, must remain exceptional, necessary, and proportionate — not used as a punitive tool.
This isn't an isolated case. Under the Tinubu administration, several government critics — including activist Segun Awosanya, better known as Segalink, and journalist Agba Jalingo — have faced arrests or legal harassment. SERAP warned that such trends foster fear and self-censorship, eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
The group called on Nigerian authorities to immediately withdraw the charges against Sowore, reverse the bail revocation, and ensure he can carry out his journalism and human rights activities without intimidation. It also urged comprehensive reforms of Nigeria's bail system to comply with constitutional and international human rights obligations.
"The right to criticize public officials and government policies is a fundamental component of any democratic society."
For now, Sowore remains a wanted man — and the debate over how far the state can go to silence its critics is far from over.