A northern socio-political group has strongly condemned the reported arrest order issued against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing the move as a dangerous assault on democratic principles and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The group warned that the continued use of state institutions to target dissenting voices could erode public confidence in the justice system and threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group expressed deep concern over what it described as the increasing weaponisation of legal processes against critics of government policies and actions. According to the organisation, the reported arrest directive against Sowore raises serious questions about respect for civil liberties, freedom of expression, and due process.
The group stressed that democracy thrives where citizens are free to express opposing views without fear of intimidation or persecution, adding that any attempt to silence dissent through judicial or law enforcement mechanisms undermines constitutional governance.
Sowore, a prominent activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, has over the years faced several arrests and prosecutions linked to his activism and public criticism of government policies. Human rights organisations and civil society groups have repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as persistent violations of his rights and broader threats to democratic freedoms.
The northern group further urged the authorities to uphold the independence of the judiciary and ensure that all actions taken against citizens strictly conform with the provisions of the Constitution and established legal procedures.
Legal experts and advocacy organisations have consistently argued that disregard for due process and court procedures weakens democratic institutions and poses significant risks to the rule of law in Nigeria. Studies on governance and judicial compliance have similarly warned that selective obedience to legal processes can breed impunity and undermine public trust in state institutions.
The group called on relevant authorities to exercise restraint and uphold democratic norms, insisting that Nigeria’s progress depends on protecting fundamental rights, preserving judicial integrity, and allowing civic participation without intimidation.
Observers note that the controversy surrounding Sowore’s case has once again reignited national conversations on civil liberties, state power, and the future of constitutional democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.