The organisation stated that although judicial institutions must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities, authorities must also ensure that legal actions are not tainted by political interests or actions capable of creating public distrust.
Civic organisations, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD Nigeria) and the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) have expressed deep concerns over the remand of activist, publisher and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, the civil society organisations warned that the continued prosecution and detention of Sowore is perceived by many Nigerians as political persecution and a dangerous signal of shrinking civic space in the country.
FENRAD, a frontline civil society organisation known for advocacy on human rights, environmental justice, democratic governance, accountability and rule of law, described the development as one with “significant implications for civil liberties and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.”
The statement, signed by the Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said while the organisation respects the independence of the judiciary and lawful judicial processes, the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s detention have continued to raise serious national concern.
