The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has strongly condemned the arrest of its convener and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Police in Abuja on Thursday. The group has demanded his immediate and unconditional release, warning that any attempt to detain or intimidate him would trigger nationwide protests.
In a statement signed by Sanyaolu Juwon, National Coordinator of the movement, TIB accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to drag Nigeria back into the era of dictatorship. The group vowed that Nigerians would not remain silent in the face of oppression.
“We have credible information that the FCT Commissioner of Police invited Sowore over the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests and other lawful political activities. Sowore honored the invitation but has not returned,” the statement read.
TIB warned that any act of harassment, detention, or intimidation against Sowore would be met with mass resistance across the country.
“Sowore is not a criminal; he is a human rights defender and a voice for millions of oppressed Nigerians. We will hold the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General, and the Tinubu government responsible for his safety,” the group stated.
The movement further cautioned that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, stressing that no government has the authority to suppress dissent.
“The Tinubu-led regime must realize this is not 1984. Nigerians will not sit back while their freedoms are trampled upon,” the statement added.
TIB declared readiness to mobilize citizens alongside other progressive groups for mass protests and civil disobedience should Sowore not be released immediately.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he appeared over what he described as a “bogus and politically motivated” forgery charge.
Eyewitnesses reported that police officers, acting on orders from the FCT Commissioner of Police under directives from Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, apprehended Sowore despite protests from his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun.
Since 2019, Sowore has faced multiple arrests linked to his activism, including his involvement in the #RevolutionNow and #EndSARS movements.
The TIB Movement’s statement underscores growing concerns among activists and civil society groups about Nigeria’s shrinking civic space and the alleged politicization of law enforcement under the current administration.
