By Newspot Nigeria Staff Writer
Abuja — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has issued a strongly worded condemnation of the arrest and reported mistreatment of Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner.
In a press release dated July 8, 2025, FENRAD expressed deep concern over credible reports that Sowore sustained injuries while in police custody. The group called on Nigerian authorities to immediately guarantee his safety, ensure access to medical treatment, uphold his rights to legal counsel, and provide humane treatment following constitutional and international standards.
“We remind the Nigerian government and security agencies that the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and political activism are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments,” the statement read.
The organization also urged an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s arrest and alleged injuries, calling for accountability for any mistreatment or abuse by law enforcement officers.
FENRAD did not stop at domestic appeal — it called on the international community, human rights bodies, and pro-democracy stakeholders to closely monitor Sowore’s situation and act swiftly to prevent further violations. “The global community must send a clear message that the suppression of peaceful dissent will not be tolerated,” it stated.
This development has triggered fresh debate about the Nigerian government’s approach to dissent and its respect for civil liberties. FENRAD’s message comes at a time when many Nigerians are expressing unease about shrinking civic space and the treatment of activists.
The group concluded by reaffirming its solidarity with Sowore and all Nigerians striving for democratic accountability and justice.
The full FENRAD Nigeria statement is published below.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FENRAD Nigeria Condemns the Arrest of Sowore and Calls for His Safety and Protection in Police Custody
Abuja, Nigeria — 8th July 2025
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria), a leading human rights advocacy and pro-democracy organization, strongly condemns the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore. We express serious concern over reports that he has sustained injuries while in police custody and call on the authorities to guarantee his safety, provide immediate medical care, and respect his fundamental rights, including access to legal counsel and humane treatment.
We remind the Nigerian government and security agencies that the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and political activism are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party. Any violation of these rights undermines the country’s democratic values and international obligations.
Furthermore, we urge an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Sowore’s arrest and the reported injuries he sustained, to hold accountable any individuals or entities responsible for mistreatment or abuse.
FENRAD calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently and closely monitor his situation to prevent any further violations. The global community must send a clear message that the suppression of peaceful dissent will not be tolerated.
The criminalization of peaceful activism and the suppression of pro-democracy voices threaten Nigeria’s democratic progress. FENRAD stands in solidarity with Mr. Sowore and all Nigerians committed to justice, human rights, and democratic governance.
For media inquiries:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria)
📧 [email protected]
📞 08033383708, 07062949232
Published by Newspot Nigeria
