Free Sowore Now!’ Protests Erupt In UK, Nigeria As Supporters Demand Release Of Detained Activist
‘Free Sowore Now!’ Protests Erupt In UK, Nigeria As Supporters Demand Release Of Detained Activist
The protest in the UK comes amid growing demonstrations by AAC members and supporters across Nigeria.
Supporters of detained human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) leader, Omoyele Sowore, have intensified calls for his release, staging protests in the United Kingdom and Nigeria following his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
One of the protesters, Albert Obazee, said he had commenced a one-man protest in the United Kingdom to draw international attention to Sowore’s detention and what he described as the worsening state of governance in Nigeria.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, Obazee urged Nigerians to actively participate in efforts to bring about political change rather than waiting for others to take action.
“I have started my one-man protest here in the UK to advocate for a better Nigeria. Stop waiting for others to motivate you. If you want change, be part of it. Nigeria deserves better, and the struggle for justice, accountability, and good governance belongs to all of us,” he said.
The protester repeatedly called for Sowore’s release, describing him as Nigeria’s future president and accusing the government of detaining him out of fear of his political influence and activism.
During the demonstration, Obazee chanted slogans including “Free Sowore!”, “Free Omoyele Sowore!”, “Give us our president!”, and “We are tired, we want to go back home.”
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He also alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was intimidated by Sowore’s popularity and revolutionary message.
“You are scared of Sowore. That’s why you remanded him to prison. You are scared of revolution. You are scared of freedom,” he declared.
Obazee further appealed to the international community, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States, to support efforts aimed at securing Sowore’s freedom.
The protest in the UK comes amid growing demonstrations by AAC members and supporters across Nigeria.
Similarly, Abia AAC governorship candidate Doris Ogala, on Tuesday, led a separate protest demanding the immediate release of the party leader.
Ogala led tens of people including members of her party in Abia State to demand the release of the party’s leader.
“RevolutionNow! President Bola Tinubu, release Omoyele Sowore now. RevolutionNow!” she exclaimed.
The latest demonstrations follow Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja revoked his bail and ordered his detention pending further proceedings in his trial.
Sowore is facing charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over statements in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a criminal. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
Following his remand on Monday, Sowore told journalists outside the courtroom that he was prepared for imprisonment and viewed the development as part of a broader struggle for Nigeria’s liberation.
The activist also renewed his criticism of the judiciary, insisting that Justice Umar should recuse himself from the case following allegations of bias and complaints previously raised by members of his legal team.
His detention has drawn condemnation from several civil society organisations, political activists and supporters who argue that the prosecution amounts to an attack on free speech and political dissent.
The growing protests are expected to increase pressure on the government and the judiciary as Sowore’s supporters continue to demand his unconditional release and the withdrawal of charges against him.
