Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately reverse the reported revocation of bail granted to activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, warning that the development raises serious concerns about freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and the misuse of judicial processes.
In a statement posted on its X account on Thursday, the organisation reacted to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Sowore was reportedly ordered to be arrested following his alleged absence from court.
A bench warrant was also said to have been issued against him on the application of the prosecution.
Sowore is currently facing cyberbullying charges linked to social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”
Amnesty International said the revocation of his bail is deeply troubling because the case appears to be connected to peaceful expression and criticism of public officials, which are protected under Nigeria’s Constitution as well as international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The organisation stressed that any restriction on freedom of expression must meet strict tests of necessity, legality and proportionality, warning that judicial powers must not be used to silence dissent or punish criticism of government officials.
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“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any rule of law-based society,” the group stated, adding that journalists, activists, human rights defenders and political commentators must be allowed to express opinions and criticise government actions without fear of arrest or intimidation.
It further warned that the use of criminal charges or restrictive bail conditions to punish legitimate expression could have a chilling effect on civic space, discourage public participation, and weaken trust in the justice system.
According to Amnesty International, such actions risk sending a broader message that could deter citizens from engaging in peaceful dissent or holding leaders accountable.
The organisation also urged Nigerian authorities to drop what it described as “bogus charges” against Sowore if they are based solely on the peaceful exercise of his rights, insisting that due process and international fair trial standards must be respected.
It called on the government to avoid using judicial or criminal processes as tools for harassment or intimidation of critics, journalists, and activists.
Amnesty International concluded by reaffirming that respect for human rights and the rule of law requires that no individual should be deprived of liberty or subjected to abuse of court processes simply for expressing dissenting views.