Sowore’s Bail Revocation: Amnesty International reacts, urges court reversal

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to immediately reverse the reported revocation of the bail granted to activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged absence in a cyberbullying case tied to his social media labeling of President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

The rights organization described the move as a troubling development that undermines fundamental human rights, including liberty, fair trial and freedom of expression.

Amnesty made the call in a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, while reacting to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Court had on Tuesday ordered his arrest over his alleged absence from proceedings in which he faces cyberbullying charges for calling President Tinubu “a criminal” in social media posts last year.

The judge also reportedly issued a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest, following an oral application by the prosecution.

Amnesty International said the revocation of Sowore’s bail raises serious concerns because it is connected to the peaceful expression of opinion and criticism of public officials—rights it insists are protected under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The organisation stressed that any restriction on freedom of expression must meet strict legal standards of necessity, proportionality and legitimacy, warning that such powers must never be used to silence dissent or punish criticism.

“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any rule of law-based society,” the group said, adding that journalists, activists, human rights defenders and political commentators must be allowed to express opinions and criticise government policies without fear of arrest or intimidation.

It further warned that the use of criminal proceedings or restrictive bail conditions to punish legitimate expression could create a chilling effect on civic space, discourage public participation and weaken confidence in the justice system.

According to Amnesty International, such actions risk extending beyond the individual target, sending a broader message that discourages free speech and peaceful dissent.

The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to drop what it described as “bogus charges” against Sowore if they are based solely on the peaceful exercise of his rights, insisting that due process and international fair trial standards must be strictly observed.

It also called on the government to refrain from using judicial processes or criminal law to harass, intimidate or silence critics, journalists and activists.

Amnesty International further maintained that respect for human rights and the rule of law requires that no individual should be deprived of liberty or subjected to abuse of court processes simply for expressing dissenting views.

The statement concluded with a renewed call on Nigerian authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees and international obligations on freedom of expression and fair trial rights.