The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors have demanded the unconditional release of journalist and pro-democracy advocate, Omoyele Sowore, who was recently arrested by the Nigeria Police Force.
In separate statements issued on Thursday, August 7, both groups denounced the arrest, describing it as unconstitutional and a clear abuse of police authority.
Peter Ameh, the CUPP National Secretary, said Sowore’s detention violated Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
He criticised the police for acting as agents of repression.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police, an act that flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and share ideas without interference,” Ameh stated.
He further described the arrest as a misuse of police powers and an insult to constitutional democracy.
According to him, “This arrest is not only unjust but also a disturbing misuse of police power, turning an institution meant to protect Nigerians into a tool for oppression and personal vendettas.”
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Ameh insisted that the police must explain the reason behind Sowore’s arrest.
He criticised the refusal to grant bail as unjustifiable and called for his immediate release.
“If the Inspector General believes there is a case, then Sowore should be formally charged in court,” he added.
Similarly, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors, in a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal authorities.
They demanded Sowore’s release or threatened to stage peaceful protests across all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Also, they claimed the arrest reflects a growing trend of state-sponsored suppression of free speech and civic engagement.
The group called on civil society organisations, student groups, labour unions, and the general public to unite in resisting what they described as a descent into authoritarianism.
As of press time, the police have not provided an official explanation for Sowore’s arrest.