Amnesty International has condemned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, for allegedly threatening Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters. The human rights organization described the police’s actions as a blatant attempt to intimidate Sowore, stating that declaring him wanted constitutes an abuse of power.
According to Amnesty International, the police commissioner’s statements demonstrate a disregard for human rights and undermine the right to peaceful protest. The organization urged the commissioner to withdraw his statements immediately, emphasizing that his primary responsibility is to facilitate and uphold the right to peaceful assembly. Nigerians, like citizens in any democracy, have a constitutional right to express themselves and demonstrate peacefully without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The incident highlights concerns about the Nigerian authorities’ approach to managing public dissent and the safety of human rights defenders. Amnesty International’s criticism comes amidst a broader context of tensions between the government and civil society activists in Nigeria. The organization has consistently advocated for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in the country.
The Lagos State Police Command has not publicly responded to Amnesty International’s criticism. However, the incident has sparked concerns among human rights advocates and journalists about the potential consequences of speaking out against the government. Sowore, a well-known critic of the Nigerian government, has faced harassment and intimidation in the past for his activism and journalistic work.
The situation underscores the importance of protecting freedom of expression and assembly in Nigeria. As the country continues to navigate its democratic development, it is essential that the authorities respect and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens to express themselves and participate in public discourse. The international community will be watching the developments in this case closely, with many hoping that the Nigerian government will take steps to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.