The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately drop what it described as “bogus charges” against rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.

 

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced multiple criminal charges over his activism and criticism of government policies. On Wednesday, his planned arraignment on fresh charges was stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

 

In a statement, SERAP condemned Sowore’s continued prosecution, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice and a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent.”

 

“President Tinubu should direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately drop the bogus charges against journalist Omoyele Sowore and end the arbitrary prosecution and abusive investigation of Sahara Reporters,” the group said.

 

The organisation argued that Sowore’s prosecution violates Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

 

“Peaceful dissent and opinions are the cornerstone of a democratic society based on the rule of law. Stifling them is a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations,” SERAP added.

 

Meanwhile, Sowore confirmed in a post on X that the police failed to serve charges on Sahara Reporters, the second defendant in the case. His legal team, led by Barr. Tope Temokun, argued that the charges were incompetent and unconstitutional.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force, despite boasting of an ex parte order, admitted they still could not serve charges on Sahara Reporters… Another wasted day on the altar of frivolities,” Sowore wrote.

 

The matter has been adjourned until September 15, 2025.