Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after spending four days in detention.
Sowore, who was arrested on October 23 by security operatives over what officials described as “breach of public peace” during a protest in the Federal Capital Territory, regained his freedom on Monday afternoon following the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
His release was confirmed by his lawyer, Barrister Tope Akinyode, who told reporters that the activist was granted bail by an Abuja magistrate court on Friday but was held until the court documents were processed. “Mr. Sowore has finally been released from Kuje Prison after four days of unlawful detention. We thank Nigerians and civil society groups for their solidarity and outcry,” Akinyode said.
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Sources within the correctional facility said the activist completed the necessary documentation before being allowed to leave around 2:00 p.m. He was received outside the prison gates by a small crowd of supporters, including members of his Take It Back movement, who chanted songs calling for greater respect for democratic rights.
Sowore had been detained following a peaceful demonstration calling for improved governance, adherence to the rule of law, and economic reforms. His supporters described the arrest as part of a pattern of intimidation against activists and opposition voices.
In his first comments after release, Sowore vowed to continue advocating for justice and accountability in Nigeria. “No prison can silence the truth. What we demand is a better country—one that works for the people, not against them,” he said.
This marks the second time in recent years that the pro-democracy campaigner has been detained by Nigerian authorities. His previous arrest in 2019, following the #RevolutionNow protests, sparked widespread criticism from human rights organisations and international observers.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have repeatedly urged the government to respect Sowore’s constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
With his latest release, attention now shifts to whether the government will pursue the charges or move toward reconciliation with civil society groups pushing for reforms.
Sowore’s supporters say his detention and release underscore the persistent tension between activism and state power in Nigeria’s democratic space.