By Joy Yesufu
Amnesty International has condemned the detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a blatant abuse of power and a violation of the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the global rights group decried what it termed the violent treatment of Sowore while in police custody.
The rights group revealed that Sowore sustained a serious injury during an attempt by security operatives to forcibly move him from his detention cell to a court at around 6:00 a.m.
“Amnesty International just received a deeply disturbing report of the violent attempt by the police to forcibly drag activist Omoyele Sowore from his cell to a court at 6:00 a.m.
“As a result, he sustained a severe injury on his left hand. He has now been taken to an unknown location,” the statement read.
The organisation criticised the authorities for denying Sowore access to legal representation and demanded that he be provided with immediate medical attention and access to his lawyers.
“Attempting to drag Sowore to a judicial process without recourse to his lawyer is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. The authorities have an obligation to respect and uphold due process,” it stated.
Amnesty further called for Sowore’s unconditional release and the dismissal of what it described as “bogus and politically motivated charges.”
“The Nigerian authorities must release Sowore unconditionally and drop all bogus and politically motivated charges against him. The authorities should listen to critics instead of seeking to gag them through outright abuse of power,” it added.
Sowore was arrested on Wednesday after honouring a police invitation over allegations of forgery and incitement to public disturbance.
His detention has sparked outrage among civil rights advocates.
