Revocation Of Omoyele Sowere’s Bail, Remand In Kuje Prison, An Ominous Precedent-Agumba

The recent revocation of the bail granted renowned human rights activist and presidential candidate of Omoyele Sowore and his subsequent remand in Kuje prison, has continued to elicit mass condemnation from a cross section of Nigerians who described the development as a very dangerous and ominous precedent that is capable of jeopardizing our nascent democracy.

One of those who condemned the action in its entirety is the former Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, Duru Agumba.

Agumba, in a release he signed stated that, the decision to revoke the bail granted Sowore, and remand him in Kuje prison is a bad precedent and very troubling that should be granted bail on self cognisance.

“Sowore is a several-time presidential candidate, a known public figure who is readily available to answer to the courts. He is facing charges linked to an alleged August 2025 social media post in which he reportedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”. That allegation remains part of an ongoing legal process.

While the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, we must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria.

Nigeria must protect the free speech rights of its citizens. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and these rights must be defended, especially in a period marked by economic pressure and insecurity.

Treating activists and journalists as threats will only deepen national tension, instead of encouraging dialogue and accountability”. 

He further said, “when we begin to treat citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival rather than as partners in building accountability, we signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. 

Our current challenges, from economic strain to internal security vulnerabilities, require inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society”.