Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to 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 an investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by the Police.

According to Amnesty, Sowore’s arraignment today is yet another attempt to crack down on his human rights. "This travesty of justice must stop," the rights organisation said.

It urged authorities to immediately drop all the charges against him and end the politically motivated investigation.

"Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to a purported investigation is part of a wider attempt to crack down on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria. Filing additional charges and fresh case against him is clearly aimed at targeting Sahara Reporters, which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest.

"Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association," Amnesty said.

The organisation lamented that apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to a series of human rights violations, including recently allegations of torture and other ill-treatment while in police detention.

"Nigerian authorities must promptly investigate these allegations and prosecute those suspected to be responsible in fair trial.

"Omoyele Sowore — who was declared 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," Amnesty said.

ASA