HEDA Calls for Compensation for Sowore and Others As FG Dropped Charges

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) applauds the recent decision by the Tinubu-led administration to withdraw terrorism and felony charges against human rights activist Mr. Omoyele Sowore and his colleague, Mr. Olawale Adebayo Bakare. This significant development marks a step toward justice and hopefully a pointer to the commitment of the administration to respecting human rights and democratic principles.

In a statement issued by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, Mr. Sowore’s confinement in Abuja on unfounded charges is a said illustration of the challenges confronting human rights and pro-democracy activist in Nigeria. HEDA Resource Centre vehemently condemns any endeavors to stifle the voices of those advocating for justice, transparency, and accountability.

The statement emphasizes, “While we appreciate the withdrawal of these charges, we urge the Federal Government to recognize the profound impact on the lives of Mr. Sowore and Mr. Bakare throughout their persecution. We call on the federal government to consider offering an apology and adequate compensation to the duo for the injustice they were subjected to by the state. This is even moreso going by the disruptive and malicious confinement of Mr Sowore to Abuja for an extended period of time.

Mr. Sowore, a presidential candidate in the February 2019 and 2023 general elections, was apprehended and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) on August 3, 2019, and faced trumped up charges of terrorism, cybercrime, and alleged harassment of the President. Both Mr. Sowore and Mr. Bakare have endured significant hardships and unwarranted legal battles that have unjustly curtailed their freedoms and violated their fundamental human rights.

The withdrawal of these charges underscores the opinion of the public that this two gentlemen are victims of political persecution and state oppression.

“We hereby reiterate our call on the Federal Government to acknowledge the injustices suffered by Mr. Sowore and Mr. Bakare and promptly pay fair compensation. Additionally, we urge the Nigerian state to hold accountable Mr. Abubakar Malami, Former Attorney General who abused the power of his office to perpetrate such injustices. It is unfortunate that many innocent patriotic Nigerians bear the ugly scars of Mr Malami’s legacy of injustice and judicial rascality.

As champions of human rights and justice, HEDA Resource Centre remains resolute in its mission to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We stand in solidarity with Mr. Sowore, Mr. Bakare, and all individuals unfairly persecuted for their activism and convictions