Oyo AAC condemns Sowore’s detention as attack on free speech

The chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State, Kayode Babayomi, has condemned the remand of activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at Kuje Correctional Centre.

In a statement released to journalists on Tuesday, Babayomi described Sowore’s detention in Kuje prison as part of a broader crackdown on freedom of speech.

Sowore was remanded on Monday pending trial over allegations of cyberbullying.

This case has ignited protests from human rights groups and opposition figures, who argue that the charges are politically motivated.

In his statement, Babayomi characterised Sowore’s detention as a threat to democracy and freedom of expression. He accused the government of weaponising the judicial system against dissenting voices, warning that if this trend continues unchecked, it could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Freedom of speech and expression is one of the pillars of democracy. It is unfortunate that the government, who once presented itself as a democrat, now appears opposed to freedom of speech in Nigeria.”

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The AAC chairman also criticised the judiciary, accusing it of aligning with the ruling party.

“It is also unfortunate that the judiciary appears to be serving the interests of the Tinubu administration and the APC government. The judiciary has become the APC judicial wing,” he said.

Babayomi called for the demotion of the presiding judge, Justice Umar, “for carrying out this kind of judicially corrupt and baseless case to surface in the first place.”

“Anyways, history teaches us that power is temporary. We will not allow injustice to thrive in our lifetime. They may imprison individuals, but they cannot imprison the spirit of resistance, the demand for justice and the revolution that is coming,” he said.

He, however, called for the release of the presidential candidate, Sowore.

“Sowore should be released unconditionally, and Justice Umar should be demoted immediately.”