In a statement on Wednesday, the global human rights organisation condemned the fresh charges and investigations targeting Sowore, including allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud instituted by the Inspector General of Police.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately end what it described as the “relentless harassment, intimidation, and persecution” of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, who faces multiple politically motivated charges.
In a statement on Wednesday, the global human rights organisation condemned the fresh charges and investigations targeting Sowore, including allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud instituted by the Inspector General of Police.
Amnesty said Sowore’s arraignment marked “yet another attempt to crack down on his human rights” and demanded that all charges against him be dropped without delay.
Amnesty International stated that Nigerian authorities must immediately end the travesty of justice and allow Omoyele Sowore to freely exercise his human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The organisation also criticised what it described as a broader attempt to stifle civic space in Nigeria, noting that the purported investigation of bank accounts linked to Sowore and his news platform, Sahara Reporters, is aimed at silencing independent journalism.
Amnesty International further raised concerns over allegations of torture and ill-treatment of Sowore in police custody, urging Nigerian authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
The statement read, "The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
"Sowore is currently facing multiple trumped up charges and investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by Nigeria’s Inspector General Police.
"Sowore’s arraignment today is yet another attempt to crack down on his human rights. This travesty of justice must stop.
"Authorities must immediately drop all the charges against him, and end the politically motivated investigation."
The organisation noted that Sowore, who was declared an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019, has “endured repeated arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other violations of his human rights solely for carrying out peaceful activism for human rights, social justice, and the rule of law in the country".
SaharaReporters previously reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered six banks to provide the IGP Egbetokun with comprehensive account documents and transaction records linked to Sowore from January 2024 to the present.
The transaction is to cover inflows and outflows.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive following an ex-parte motion filed by the IGP’s lawyer, Wisdom Madaki.
In the motion, the IGP stated that Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, is under investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities.
Justice Nwite ruled that the application was meritorious, granting the police access to the requested financial information.