The Coalition of United Political Parties and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors have called for the immediate and unconditional release of pro-democracy activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, following his recent arrest by the Nigeria Police Force.
In separate statements on Thursday, both groups condemned the arrest, describing it as a violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights and an abuse of police authority.
National Secretary of CUPP, Peter Ameh, said Sowore’s detention flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and opinion.
He said the police had turned into an instrument of oppression and called for accountability.
“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.
“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. This arrest is a blatant abuse of power and an affront to the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in the constitution.
“The Nigerian Police owe Nigerians a clear explanation for Sowore’s arrest. Denying him his right to bail is indefensible and further exposes the misuse of authority to silence dissent. We demand his immediate and unconditional release, and if the Inspector General believes there is a case to answer, Sowore should be charged to court without delay,” he stated.
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors, in a separate statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, also condemned Sowore’s continued detention and gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release him or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The group said Sowore’s arrest was part of a pattern of harassment, alleging that state institutions were being misused to suppress dissent.
They warned that a continued clampdown on critics could erode democratic values and civic freedoms.
“In line with this, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian authorities to release Sowore or face nationwide protests in all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. We will mobilise peaceful mass action in solidarity with Sowore and in defence of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to freedom of expression and assembly.
“We call on all progressive forces—civil society groups, student unions, labour movements, and the general public—to rise in unity against the growing tyranny and misuse of state power. Nigeria belongs to us all, and no government has the right to crush dissent in a democratic society”, the statement added.
The police are yet to issue an official response to the reason for Sowore’s arrest.
