The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the repeated arrest and alleged assault of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, warning that such actions represent a dangerous slide into authoritarianism. In a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described Sowore as a “moral compass” and cautioned that continued repression of dissenters threatens the rights of all Nigerians. “If the state can arbitrarily detain Sowore today, no journalist, trade unionist, activist, or citizen is safe tomorrow,” Ajaero said.
The condemnation comes amid reports that Sowore sustained injuries while being forcefully removed from his detention cell in Abuja by officers of the Force Intelligence Department. Amnesty International and Sowore’s associates claimed he was assaulted and had his hand broken during the early morning operation. The activist was reportedly arrested after honouring a police invitation but was later transferred to an undisclosed location without legal representation, raising concerns about due process.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, calling the incident a “shameful abuse of power” and accusing the police of pursuing a personal vendetta. He stressed that Sowore’s only offence was speaking out against injustice, warning that silencing dissent is an attack on democracy itself. The NLC called on the government to respect constitutional rights and resist the temptation to rule by force.
