A Magistrate Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and 13 others who were detained during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration earlier in the week.
The protest, which called for the immediate release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, led to the arrest of several activists, including Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was apprehended by security operatives on Thursday moments after stepping out of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His arrest, according to eyewitnesses, followed his participation in a peaceful march demanding Kanu’s freedom.
Following their arraignment, the court had earlier remanded the defendants on Tuesday on charges of inciting public disturbance.
However, after a review of the case, the magistrate granted them bail on Friday, emphasising that the right to peaceful protest remains a cornerstone of any democratic society.
Speaking after the court session, one of the defence lawyers described the decision as “a breath of fresh air for justice,” noting that the move reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding civil liberties.
“The court has shown that citizens cannot be punished for exercising their constitutional rights,” the lawyer added.
Meanwhile, supporters of the protesters have applauded the ruling, urging security agencies to desist from targeting activists who express dissent through peaceful means.
As tensions continue over Nnamdi Kanu’s detention, human rights groups have renewed calls for the federal government to comply with previous court rulings ordering his release, warning that continued defiance only undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
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