Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Condemns Revocation of Sowore’s Bail, Urges DSS to Withdraw Charges
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the revocation of the bail granted to activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a setback to freedom of expression and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, the group said the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to remand Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre portrays Nigeria negatively in the eyes of the international community.
According to Onwubiko, the Department of State Services should discontinue the prosecution of Sowore over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation arising from social media posts made in August 2025.
HURIWA recalled that the charges stemmed from comments in which Sowore allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” on social media.
The rights group argued that the President possesses sufficient communication platforms and personnel to respond to criticisms without resorting to criminal prosecution.
The association further questioned the decision of Justice Mohammed Umar to revoke Sowore’s bail, noting that the activist had reportedly informed the court through the Chief Registrar about his inability to attend proceedings due to travel constraints.
“This Honourable judge could have granted Sowore just one adjournment and if he fails to honour the rescheduled proceeding, then the judge could exercise his authority regarding the bail,” HURIWA stated.
The group maintained that courts have frequently granted adjournments in cases involving high-profile corruption and economic crime suspects, wondering why a similar consideration was not extended to Sowore.
HURIWA also reiterated its opposition to aspects of the Cybercrimes Act, describing several provisions as vague and susceptible to abuse.
According to the association, provisions dealing with cyberstalking, harassment, false information and related offences have been repeatedly criticised by civil society organisations and international observers for their potential impact on freedom of expression.
The group urged the DSS to focus its resources on combating terrorism and other security threats rather than prosecuting critics of government policies.
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