Sowore: SERAP Welcomes Court Judgment, Says It’s A Victory for Rule of Law
- SERAP calls for the release of other journalists in detention.
- Says an objective decision has been made by the court.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has welcomed the judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the immediate release of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest Omoyele Sowore, from the custody of the Department of State Service.
The human right body in a statement released by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare described the court ruling as “a victory for the rule of law, human rights and judicial independence.”
While noting that it was a huge relief that Sowore will be freed and can finally return to his family and journalism work, SERAP said he shouldn’t have been detained in the first place.
READ: BREAKING: Release Sowore to His Laywer, Court Rules
“The Nigerian authorities should now withdraw all the charges against him and allow freedom of expression and media freedom to flourish. It’s good for everyone.
“The Nigerian authorities now have to fully comply with this ruling by immediately releasing Sowore. The decision is a timely reminder of Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations to protect journalists, activists and Nigerians in general, and to put a stop to its current practice of restricting the civic space.”
SERAP also expressed optimism that the court order will make the Nigerian authorities and state governors stop and reflect on their ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom including online, and also help to put an end to other human rights violations of journalists and citizens in general.
“Other journalists like Agba Jalingo and Ekanem Ekpo currently being detained, must be immediately and unconditionally released.
“If a court found it possible to release Sowore, we are sure that all the circumstances were studied, and an objective decision was made.”
