Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to end what it described as the persecution and judicial harassment of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, urging authorities to withdraw all charges against him.

In a statement, the organisation said Sowore’s continued prosecution reflects a broader pattern of repression against journalists, human rights defenders and government critics in Nigeria.

Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, said no one should be arrested or prosecuted for peacefully expressing opinions or criticising those in authority.

The organisation also criticised the continued involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the case, urging security agencies to focus on national security rather than intimidating dissenting voices.

Amnesty International argued that Sowore’s repeated arrests, detention and criminal prosecutions since 2019 amount to retaliation for exercising his fundamental rights, adding that such actions violate the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The rights group further called on President Bola Tinubu to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to human rights and direct security agencies to end what it described as the misuse of criminal investigations against Sowore and other government critics.

It also urged the government to review laws on criminal defamation, cybercrime and related offences, which it said are often used to suppress peaceful expression.