Nigeria Immigration Holds Sowore at Lagos Airport for DSS, Seizes Passport | Sahara Reporters

In a recent development that has left many Nigerians stunned and outraged, Sahara Reporters revealed that human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was detained by Nigeria Immigration at the Lagos Airport on behalf of the Department of State Services (DSS). The authorities reportedly seized Sowore’s passport while awaiting ‘orders from above’, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in the country.

Sowore, a prominent figure known for his vocal criticism of the Nigerian government, was reportedly on his way to a scheduled trip when he was apprehended by immigration officials. The detention of Sowore has sparked a wave of condemnation from activists, civil society organizations, and the international community, who view it as a blatant violation of human rights and an attack on freedom of speech.

The decision to detain Sowore at the behest of the DSS has raised questions about the independence of Nigeria’s immigration service and the extent of government interference in matters of civil rights. Many are concerned that the government is using its power to stifle dissent and silence critics, a worrying trend that has been on the rise in recent years.

Sowore’s detention is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Nigeria. The government has been accused of using security agencies to target activists, journalists, and political opponents, in an effort to suppress opposition and maintain its grip on power. The detention of Sowore is seen as a warning to others who dare to speak out against the government, a chilling message that freedom of expression is under threat in Nigeria.

The seizure of Sowore’s passport is a clear violation of his rights and raises serious concerns about his safety and well-being. Without his passport, Sowore is effectively trapped in Nigeria, unable to travel or seek refuge elsewhere. This restriction on his movement is not only a personal affront to Sowore but also a violation of his fundamental rights as a citizen.

The detention of Sowore has reignited calls for the Nigerian government to respect the rule of law, uphold human rights, and protect freedom of speech. Civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens are demanding the immediate release of Sowore and the restoration of his passport. They are calling on the government to end its campaign of intimidation and harassment against dissenting voices and to uphold the principles of democracy and justice.

In conclusion, the detention of Omoyele Sowore at the Lagos Airport is a troubling development that highlights the erosion of civil liberties in Nigeria. It is a stark reminder of the challenges facing human rights defenders and activists in the country, and a call to action for all those who value freedom of expression and democracy. The international community must stand in solidarity with Sowore and all those who are fighting for justice and accountability in Nigeria.

BREAKING: Nigeria Immigration Detains Sowore At Lagos Airport On Behalf Of Secret Police, DSS; Seizes Passport While Awaiting ‘Order From Above’ | Sahara Reporters

Who is Omoyele Sowore and why was he detained?

Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, and former presidential candidate. He is the founder of Sahara Reporters, an online news platform known for its investigative journalism and anti-corruption advocacy. Sowore was detained by the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on behalf of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police. The DSS accused Sowore of threatening national security and public order.

According to Sahara Reporters, the DSS claimed that Sowore was planning a protest against the government, which they deemed to be a threat to national security. The DSS also alleged that Sowore had been involved in activities that were inimical to public order and safety. As a result, Sowore’s passport was seized, and he was detained pending further instructions from the authorities.

What is the significance of Sowore’s detention?

Sowore’s detention is seen as a troubling development in Nigeria’s democracy, as it raises concerns about freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. Sowore has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and has used Sahara Reporters to expose corruption and human rights abuses. His detention is seen by many as an attempt to silence dissent and stifle opposition voices.

The detention of Sowore also comes at a time when there is growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have raised concerns about the shrinking space for civil society and freedom of expression in the country. Sowore’s case is likely to further fuel these concerns and put pressure on the Nigerian government to respect human rights and the rule of law.

What is the reaction to Sowore’s detention?

The detention of Sowore has sparked outrage among human rights activists, civil society organizations, and the international community. Many have called for his immediate release and have condemned the government’s actions as a violation of his fundamental rights. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Nigerian authorities to release Sowore and allow him to continue his work as a journalist without fear of reprisal.

Nigerian activists and opposition politicians have also criticized Sowore’s detention as an abuse of power and an attack on democracy. They have called for the government to respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of all citizens to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to take legal action to challenge Sowore’s detention and ensure that his rights are protected.

What is the government’s response to the criticism?

The Nigerian government has defended Sowore’s detention, arguing that it is necessary to maintain peace and security in the country. The DSS has accused Sowore of plotting to destabilize the government and incite violence through his planned protest. The government has also accused Sowore of being a threat to national security and public order, citing his past statements and actions as evidence of his alleged intentions.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has faced criticism for its handling of dissent and opposition in Nigeria. The government has been accused of using security agencies to target critics and suppress dissenting voices. Sowore’s detention is seen as part of a wider crackdown on civil society and freedom of expression in the country.

In conclusion, the detention of Omoyele Sowore at the Lagos airport on behalf of the DSS is a troubling development that raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria. The government’s actions have been widely condemned by human rights organizations and activists, who have called for Sowore’s immediate release and for the government to respect the rule of law. Sowore’s case is a stark reminder of the challenges facing journalists and activists in Nigeria, and the need for greater protection of freedom of speech and expression.