The Centre for Change, led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, condemns the actions of the Nigeria Police Force for whisking away Comrade Omoyele Sowore from the Magistrate Court in Abuja after he was granted bail.
Ordinarily, the Nigeria Correctional Service should take custody of any defendant who has yet to perfect bail conditions. The police’s interference is both unconstitutional and unlawful, undermining due process and the rule of law.
The Centre reminds the government that the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to respect court orders and release Sowore and all detained protesters.
Protest is not a crime, democracy thrives only when dissenting voices are protected, not persecuted.
Signed:
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin
Centre for Change
Credit: AkureNews
