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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has demanded the immediate release of activist Omoyele Sowore and others arrested for protesting.
This comes as a former APC chieftain condemned, in strong terms, the arrest and detention of Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday.
He made this known in a statement on Friday.
Recall that police arrested Sowore on Wednesday, for leading a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
DAILY POST reports that an Abuja magistrate court on Friday granted bail to Sowore and others arrested for the Nnamdi Kanu protest.
However, the police rearrested Sowore and others despite bail.
Reacting, Timi said Sowore’s arrest and continued detention is an assault on democracy and freedom of speech.
“We strongly condemn this reckless action as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Frank said in a statement in Abuja.
“The arrest of Sowore is not only unjustifiable but also represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in a country that claims to operate under democratic principles.”
According to him, it is unfortunate that in 2025, Nigerians are still being harassed, intimidated, and detained for peacefully expressing dissenting opinions or calling for good governance.
“The right to protest, to assemble, and to hold government accountable are fundamental pillars of any true democracy,” he said. “Suppressing these rights through intimidation and arbitrary arrests is a betrayal of the democratic promises made to the Nigerian people.”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and all relevant authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other peaceful protesters arrested in Abuja and across the country.
“Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights by ending the culture of fear and intimidation”, he stated.
He urged the government to focus its energy on addressing pressing national issues instead of silencing voices of dissent.
Nnamdi Kanu Protest: Timi Frank demands immediate release of Omoyele Sowore, others
