In a development that has stirred reactions nationwide, Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement and former presidential candidate, was briefly detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, immediately after his return to Nigeria. Sowore, a prominent activist and vocal critic of the Nigerian government, had just landed after a period spent abroad when he was stopped by immigration officials.
According to initial reports, the NIS detained Sowore for a brief period, although the exact reasons for his detention remain unclear. Sowore’s return to the country was uneventful until the moment he was taken aside by immigration officers, raising immediate concerns among his supporters and human rights groups who have long criticized the government for what they view as a pattern of harassment against political dissenters.
Omoyele Sowore is best known for his leadership in the #RevolutionNow Movement, which has consistently called for greater government accountability, respect for human rights, and a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s political system. The movement’s protests and demonstrations, often centered around demands for an end to corruption and oppression, have made him a target of Nigerian authorities.
Sowore’s brief detention on Sunday is reminiscent of his 2019 arrest, when he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) for several months over allegations of treason, money laundering, and cyberstalking the President. At the time, his arrest was condemned by both national and international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations.
As word of his detention spread, Sowore’s supporters took to social media, expressing outrage and calling for his immediate release. The hashtag #FreeSowore once again trended on platforms like Twitter, as activists and civil society organizations voiced their concerns over what they view as the Nigerian government’s ongoing suppression of political opposition.
However, relief came when it was confirmed that Sowore had been released by the immigration authorities after a few hours. It is still unclear whether the authorities provided him with an official explanation for his brief detention. Sowore himself took to social media to announce his release, thanking his supporters and reiterating his commitment to the struggle for justice, democracy, and human rights in Nigeria.
Legal experts close to Sowore have hinted that they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take legal action if there are any further attempts to infringe on his rights. Sowore’s legal counsel has consistently maintained that his detentions and arrests over the years are politically motivated, aimed at silencing one of the most vocal critics of the Nigerian establishment.
This recent incident at the Lagos airport comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple socio-political challenges, including widespread protests over governance issues, a struggling economy, and rising insecurity. For many, Sowore’s ongoing activism and his #RevolutionNow Movement represent a crucial voice in the fight against corruption and authoritarianism in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government, however, has maintained that its actions against Sowore and other activists are within the law and in the interest of national security. Despite these claims, human rights organizations have continued to challenge what they see as the government’s use of state power to intimidate and harass those who speak out against injustice.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government and its handling of political dissent in the coming months, with many observers anticipating that Sowore’s activism will only intensify in response to this latest incident.
Muchee News will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
