Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian government’s intentions to arrest Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, upon his return to Nigeria. Sowore, who has been designated Amnesty International’s Prisoner of Conscience, is facing potential arrest due to his role in organizing and supporting nationwide protests in early August under the #EndBadGovernance banner.In a statement released on September 14, 2024, Amnesty International expressed deep concern about the Nigerian authorities’ alleged plans to detain Sowore. The organization argues that such actions would represent an unjust restriction on freedom of expression and an attempt to suppress dissent. They call on President Bola Tinubu’s government to allow Sowore and other Nigerians to freely exercise their rights, including those of free speech, peaceful assembly, and movement, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.Amnesty International warns that arresting Sowore could have a chilling effect on public dissent and criticism of the government. They urge Nigerian authorities to ensure that Sowore, along with other human rights defenders, activists, and journalists, are protected upon their return to Nigeria. The organization also condemns the broader pattern of using security forces to intimidate and abuse critics.The concern over Sowore’s potential arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on human rights and media freedom in Nigeria. Recently, Nigeria’s Department of State Services detained NLC President Joe Ajaero and raided the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). This action occurred shortly after SERAP called on President Tinubu to address issues related to the increase in petrol prices and allegations of corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).Amnesty International demands an end to these practices and calls for respect for the rights of all Nigerians to engage in peaceful dissent and criticism of the government.