The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has criticised the reported revocation of bail granted to journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the move as part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation and misuse of the judicial process against government critics.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the organisation reacted to reports that the court ordered Sowore’s arrest over allegations of cyberbullying arising from social media comments allegedly directed at President Bola Tinubu.
SERAP also referenced reports that the court issued a bench warrant for Sowore following an application by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The rights group said the decision to revoke Sowore’s bail marked a further escalation of what it described as repeated reprisals against him because of his human rights advocacy and criticism of governance, accountability and rule-of-law issues.
According to SERAP, Sowore has continued to face what it termed “spurious charges” and targeted legal actions, warning that such measures could weaken democratic freedoms and discourage citizens from participating in civic activities.
The organisation argued that using judicial mechanisms to address criticism of public officials risks creating a chilling effect on journalists, activists, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
It also expressed concern over what it described as a wider trend of arrests, prosecutions and legal actions against critics of government, warning that such developments could encourage fear and self-censorship.
“The right to criticize public officials and government policies is a fundamental component of any democratic society,” the group stated, adding that public office holders should be prepared to tolerate a higher level of scrutiny than private individuals.
SERAP maintained that legal procedures should never be deployed to punish or silence dissenting voices or those engaged in legitimate public-interest advocacy.
The organisation further questioned issues surrounding due process, selective enforcement of laws and restrictions on personal liberty, arguing that the revocation of Sowore’s bail undermines the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing guaranteed by both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.
It stressed that pretrial detention and limitations on liberty should remain exceptional, necessary and proportionate, cautioning against the use of bail conditions as a punitive measure.
According to SERAP, the situation raises broader concerns about judicial independence, access to justice and adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.
The group called on the authorities to withdraw what it described as unjust charges against Sowore, reverse the bail revocation and refrain from taking actions that could arbitrarily restrict his freedom.
It also urged the government to ensure that Sowore can continue his journalism and human rights activities without intimidation, harassment or reprisals.
Additionally, SERAP advocated reforms to Nigeria’s bail system to strengthen protections for personal liberty, improve access to justice and prevent arbitrary detention in line with constitutional and international human rights standards.
The organisation warned that failure to address these concerns could further diminish public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken respect for human rights and the rule of law.
