NIS bows to pressure, returns Sowore’s passport
…AAC decries unwanted arrest, demands end to harassment, release of protesters
By Sodiq Adelakun
Nigerian authorities have bowed to pressure and released activist Omoyele Sowore, returned his passport, caving to intense pressure from human rights groups, activists, and the international community.
Omoyele Sowore, the #RevolutionNow convener, has been released on Sunday by Nigerian authorities after being detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Nigerian NewsDirect gathered on Sunday that following Sowore’s detention by the Immigration Service at the airport over a watchlist of the secret police, Department of State Service (DSS), it seized his passport and contacted the DSS.
It held the activist while it contacted the DSS and awaited ‘an order from above’.
Sowore was arrested and detained at the airport on Sunday immediately upon his arrival in Nigeria.
“I have just been released. My passport and everything have been returned to me,” Sowore told newsmen.
Sowore’s detention was linked to his role in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests and his plans for further demonstrations.
Recall that the DSS had issued a memo ordering his arrest upon arrival in Nigeria, citing his “watchlist” status.
Sowore had earlier revealed that he had received credible intelligence about his name being submitted to airport security personnel by the newly appointed DSS Director General.
He criticised the move as a political vendetta and vowed to continue his fight against bad governance.
Sowore had been with his family in the United States.
His flight left the Washington Dulles International Airport at 6.14 EDT and arrived in Lagos at around 9.43 WAT.
Meanwhile, Sowore has reiterated his commitment to continuing the fight against bad governance in Nigeria.
In the same vein, The African Action Congress (AAC) has vehemently condemned the unwarranted arrest and harassment of its National Leader, Omoyele Sowore, by immigration officers at the behest of the State Security Service (SSS).
In a statement on Sunday signed by Femi Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary, AAC described the incident as a “blatant act of intimidation” by the Bola Tinubu regime, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
The party demanded that the regime channel its energy towards addressing the economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerians, rather than targeting opposition voices.
“We demand an immediate end to this harassment and a commitment to upholding democratic principles and fundamental human rights,” the statement read.
AAC also called for the unconditional release of all protesters in detention, reiterating its dedication to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, even in the face of adversity.
The party warned that it would “vigorously resist any further arrests or intimidation attempts” and remain on high alert.
