The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed concern over the reported revocation of the bail granted to activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore,  by the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cyberbullying linked to social media posts concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

SERAP also raised concerns over the reported issuance of a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest in connection with charges instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

SERAP, in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the revocation of Sowore’s bail as the latest escalation in a pattern of continued harassment and reprisals allegedly carried out in retaliation for what he termed the legitimate and peaceful exercise of Sowore’s human rights.

According to Oluwadare, SERAP is concerned that Sowore continues to face what it described as spurious charges and targeted reprisals, including alleged harassment through the abuse of judicial processes because of his human rights work and advocacy for reforms, accountability and the rule of law.

The organisation argued that measures of this nature, particularly in cases involving criticism of public officials and matters of public interest, could have a chilling effect on journalists, activists, civil society organisations and other citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

SERAP further expressed concern over what it described as a broader pattern of legal actions, arrests and prosecutions targeting activists, journalists and government critics under the current administration, warning that such actions could foster an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship incompatible with democratic governance, accountability, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

It maintained that criticism of public officials and government policies is a fundamental element of a democratic society, stressing that public office holders are expected to tolerate a greater degree of public scrutiny than private citizens.

The organisation added that legal processes should not be used, or be perceived as being used, to intimidate or silence dissenting voices or individuals engaged in legitimate public-interest advocacy.

SERAP also argued that the revocation of Sowore’s bail raises concerns over due process, the selective application of the law and restrictions on the constitutional right to liberty, noting that the principles of presumption of innocence, equality before the law and personal liberty are guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The organisation stated that the right to bail is closely linked to the presumption of innocence and that restriction on liberty before a final determination of guilt should remain exceptional, necessary and proportionate, with pretrial detention serving only as a measure of last resort.

According to SERAP, the revocation of bail in circumstances that may discourage the exercise of fundamental freedoms raises broader concerns regarding access to justice, judicial independence and the rule of law.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw what it described as unjust charges against Sowore, reverse the revocation of his bail and discontinue measures that allegedly restrict his liberty.

It also urged Tinubu to ensure that Sowore is able to carry out his journalistic and human rights activities without harassment, intimidation, arrest or reprisals.

SERAP further called on the administration to undertake comprehensive reforms to ensure that the administration of bail is fully consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations, including safeguards for personal liberty, access to justice, protection against arbitrary detention and equal treatment before the law.