Sowore's arrest: Tinubu's govt still treats dissent as crime

By John Ogunsemore

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of activist, Omoyele Sowore by the police, saying the Bola Tinubu administration still treats dissent as a crime.

Atiku said this in a Thursday statement, hours after Sowore’s arrest.

Sowore was arrested at a complex of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after he made an appearance for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed that the activist and former presidential candidate would be arraigned within the next 24 hours.

However, Atiku said he was “shocked and disappointed, but not surprised” at the arrest of Sowore and several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.

He explained that he was shocked that in 2025, decades after the defeat of military rule, “this government still treats dissent as a crime”.

He added he was disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests.

“But not surprised, for Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be, if we allow him,” he stated.

Atiku stressed, “Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom is a new low, an open assault on democracy and a grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law.

“The arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country only deepens the stain. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.

“I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest.

“This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices.

“Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny.”