Human rights advocate and former APC spokesperson, Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the arrest of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police, calling it “an assault on democracy and freedom of speech.”

In a statement released in Abuja on Friday and made available to The Guardian, Frank described the arrest as “unjustifiable” and warned that it reflected “a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism.”

“We strongly condemn this reckless action as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Frank, who now serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said it was unacceptable that Nigerians still face harassment and detention for expressing dissenting opinions.

He stated that “the right to protest, to assemble, and to hold government accountable are fundamental pillars of any true democracy,” adding that suppressing these rights was “a betrayal of the democratic promises made to the Nigerian people.”

The activist urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, along with other detained protesters.

“Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights by ending the culture of fear and intimidation,” he said.

Frank appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and international partners including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations Human Rights Council to intervene.

He criticised what he called the government’s intolerance of dissent, arguing that peaceful protest is a legitimate tool in a democracy.
“It is unbecoming of this administration to intimidate and oppress citizens in a democratic period like this. We are not under military rule where dissent is a crime,” he said.
Frank also warned that continued clampdowns on journalists and opposition voices could further tarnish Nigeria’s global image.

“While insecurity ravages the nation, they focus on intimidating citizens instead of fighting corruption,” he added.

Drawing parallels with international practice, Frank said: “We saw recently how there were massive protests in America against Donald Trump’s administration. Yet, Trump or the American government never tear-gassed or arrested peaceful protesters. That is what true democracy looks like.”
He urged the Nigerian government to embrace dialogue, uphold civil rights, and demonstrate genuine respect for democratic principles.