SaharaReporters had recently exposed how the secret police in a signal upgraded Sowore’s status and name on its “watchlist”.
Nigeria's anti-corruption group, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) over its memo ordering the arrest of human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore.
SaharaReporters had recently exposed how the secret police in a signal upgraded Sowore’s status and name on its “watchlist”.
Dated August 16, 2024, and signed by Adeola Ali, the signal had ordered operatives to arrest the activist upon his arrival in the country.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, HEDA Executive Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the move constituted a brazen violation of Sowore's constitutional rights to freedom of expression, movement, and peaceful assembly.
“Recall that the leaked memo, obtained by SaharaReporters, indicates that the new DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, has placed Sowore on a security watchlist for his role in recent #EndBadGovernance protests,” Suraju added.
“The directive reportedly calls for Sowore's arrest upon arrival in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the arbitrary use of state security apparatus to suppress dissent and stifle activism.”
Suraju further condemned any attempt by the President Bola Tinubu-led government to intimidate or harass activists and citizens who are exercising their legitimate rights to protest and call for accountability in governance.
According to him, the planned arrest or placement on security watchlist of Sowore, a known critic of government policies and a vocal advocate for social justice, without any prior invitation would represent a direct attack on democratic principles and the civic space in Nigeria.
The statement read further, “We remind the DSS and other security agencies that Nigeria's Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and movement, and any action that undermines these fundamental rights is unlawful and unacceptable.
"The use of state power to silence critics is a dangerous venture that threatens Nigeria’s democracy and undermines public confidence in the government and country’s institutions.
“We call on the DSS to immediately withdraw any directives targeting Omoyele Sowore and to refrain from using security agencies as tools for political repression. Rather than focusing on arresting peaceful protesters, the DSS should channel its resources towards addressing the rising insecurity that has plagued the nation and the safety and security of all Nigerians.
“In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore and all Nigerian citizens who continue to speak truth to power in the face of intimidation. HEDA remains committed to defending the rights of all individuals to express their views freely and peacefully without fear of persecution.”