The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) hasstrongly condemned the repeated arrest and detention of civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. NLC President Joe Ajaero described Sowore as a “moral compass” whose treatment should not be taken lightly, regardless of personal opinions about him. The Congress warned that silence in the face of such repression is complicity and that arbitrary detention sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the rights of all Nigerians.
Ajaero emphasized that fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and association are guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and must be respected at all times. He criticized the government’s actions, stating that if Sowore has offended any big man or woman in government or has in any way offended the law, they should be bold enough to explore the legal options available, such as going to court, but certainly not resort to harassment.
The NLC expressed solidarity with Sowore and all victims of state repression, reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of the working class and the oppressed. Ajaero warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk if activists like Sowore continue to be detained for speaking out, cautioning that this trend could damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally and undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Reports of Sowore sustaining injuries during his latest arrest have raised concerns about his safety and well-being while in detention. The NLC questioned the frequency of Sowore’s arrests within the year, emphasizing that such actions violate fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and association.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a “shameful abuse of power” and stating that the Inspector General of Police cannot be both a complainant and the force behind the arrest. Amnesty International reported that Sowore was assaulted by officers of the Force Intelligence Department and taken to an undisclosed location in Abuja, sustaining a severe injury on his hand .
The Congress maintains that dissenting voices must be protected and not criminalized, stressing that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of any functional democratic society.
