The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has called on the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to withdraw the charges against journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore.
SERAP also urged the authorities to end what it described as continued harassment and intimidation of Sowore over his exercise of his human rights.
The organisation’s reaction followed reports that the DSS was seeking an adjournment of Sowore’s case until after the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argued that postponing the proceedings would not address what it described as the fundamental issue with the case.
SERAP said that “The DSS cannot selectively pause a politically sensitive prosecution for electoral convenience while leaving the bogus charges hanging over Sowore. The appropriate response is to withdraw the charges altogether.”
“It is deeply troubling that the DSS reportedly considered suspending the case only after the commencement of the 2027 election campaign.
“The right to participate in public affairs and to criticise government officials cannot depend on the electoral calendar or the discretion of security agencies.”
The group further criticised the prosecution of Sowore over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning President Bola Tinubu.
SERAP stated, “The prosecution of Sowore over his social media comments concerning President Bola Tinubu amounts to an unacceptable use of criminal law and judicial processes to punish, intimidate or silence a prominent critic and political opponent.
“Public officials, including the President, are subject to scrutiny and criticism in a democratic society. The mere fact that an expression is offensive, harsh, insulting or politically inconvenient does not, by itself, justify criminal prosecution.
“The Tinubu government should not weaponise the Cybercrimes Act, criminal defamation provisions or other laws to suppress peaceful criticism, particularly as Nigeria approaches a general election.
“Suspending the Sowore case until after the election is not enough. The bogus charges should be immediately withdrawn.”
SERAP called on President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and the DSS to withdraw all charges against Sowore.
It also asked the government to stop security and law enforcement agencies from using criminal or judicial proceedings to intimidate journalists, activists, political opponents and other Nigerians exercising their rights peacefully.
The organisation further demanded that Sowore be allowed to participate fully in political and public activities without harassment, arbitrary arrest, intimidation or reprisals.
SERAP also called for a review of the Cybercrimes Act and other laws to prevent their use against peaceful criticism, political expression, legitimate journalism and human rights activities.
It urged the authorities to review pending criminal cases involving journalists, activists and political opponents where the prosecutions are primarily linked to their peaceful exercise of freedom of expression.
The group said such cases should be withdrawn where they conflict with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
SERAP also stressed the need for the government to uphold freedom of expression, freedom of association, political participation, media freedom, the rule of law and judicial independence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
