The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has alleged that the prosecution of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reflects a coordinated effort to secure his imprisonment. The group claimed the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS), prosecutors and the court mirror what it described as the prolonged prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu. The DSS has consistently denied allegations of misconduct and insists Sowore’s remand resulted from court proceedings, not the agency’s actions.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing trial of activist Omoyele Sowore, alleging that senior security officials, prosecutors and judicial officers coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring his imprisonment.
The rights group said recent developments in the case have raised questions about judicial independence and respect for due process, while comparing the matter to the long-running prosecution of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement, HURIWA alleged that the handling of Sowore’s case suggests the existence of a pre-arranged strategy involving the DSS, prosecutors and the court.
The organisation argued that the sequence of events surrounding Sowore’s court appearances and remand created the impression that the outcome had been predetermined. It urged judicial authorities to safeguard the independence of the courts and ensure that legal proceedings remain transparent and impartial.
HURIWA also drew parallels between Sowore’s prosecution and the prolonged legal proceedings involving Nnamdi Kanu, contending that both cases have generated concerns among rights advocates over the protection of constitutional liberties.
The group called on Nigerian authorities to uphold fair trial guarantees and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.
The Department of State Services has previously rejected claims that it engineered Sowore’s detention.
In an earlier statement, the agency maintained that Sowore’s remand was ordered by the court following judicial proceedings and stressed that it neither opposed his initial bail application nor made the decision to remand him in custody.
The DSS also disclosed that its Director-General ordered an internal investigation into the conduct of operatives captured in viral videos from the court premises, following public criticism of the incident.
Sowore is currently facing charges brought by the DSS over alleged social media posts concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has denied wrongdoing and continues to challenge the charges through his legal team.
As the matter remains before the court, none of HURIWA’s allegations has been judicially established, and the substantive issues in the case are yet to be determined by the court.
HURIWA’s latest intervention adds to the public debate surrounding the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore. While the rights group insists the case reflects political persecution, the DSS maintains that all actions taken have been in accordance with court processes. The legal proceedings remain ongoing.