Sowore Regains Freedom, Vows to Continue Struggle for Nigeria’s Liberation
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
Human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has declared that his struggle for justice, freedom, and the emancipation of Nigeria will continue following his release from Kuje Correctional Centre after nine days in detention.
Sowore, who regained his freedom on Tuesday, said he was imprisoned after the revocation of his bail by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a statement following his release, the activist described his detention as unjust, insisting that no Nigerian should be imprisoned for exercising constitutionally guaranteed rights or for alleged offences unknown to law.
He disclosed that during his nine-day stay at the Kuje Correctional Centre, he was held alongside over 1,158 inmates, including 37 prisoners receiving treatment for tuberculosis in overcrowded cells.
According to him, his experience in detention further exposed the harsh realities of Nigeria’s correctional system and the broader human rights concerns in the country.
Sowore noted that incarceration was not new to him, recalling that he had faced repeated confrontations with the Nigerian state since his university days when he joined the pro-democracy movement against military rule.
He lamented that although military rule officially ended in 1999, successive civilian administrations have continued to display authoritarian tendencies through alleged human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and weakening of democratic institutions.
The activist also accused security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, of involvement in arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, and other alleged abuses.
Despite the ordeal, Sowore said he remains resolute and undeterred in his advocacy.
“I am back, and I remain unbroken,” he declared.
He expressed gratitude to supporters and activists across Nigeria and abroad for their solidarity, saying their protests and sustained advocacy contributed significantly to securing his release.
Sowore noted that although he has been released on bail under stringent conditions, his commitment to political and social change remains unwavering.
He also signaled preparations for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the Sowore Presidential Campaign 2027 would proceed as planned.
According to him, the struggle for a just and liberated Nigeria transcends any individual and must continue with renewed determination.
His words:
I AM BACK FROM PRISON!
Yesterday, after spending nine days in Kuje Prison following the unjust revocation of my bail by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, I regained my freedom.
During those nine days, I was incarcerated alongside more than 1,158 inmates, including 37 who were undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in overcrowded cells.
Prison is not new to me, and perhaps that explains how quickly I settle into prison life. But the truth remains that no one should spend even a minute behind bars for an offence unknown to law or for exercising constitutionally protected rights.
The Nigerian state has pursued me since my university days, when I joined the struggle to end military rule. Sadly, although the military formally relinquished power in 1999, successive civilian administrations have, in many respects, proven even more repressive—violating human rights, undermining democratic institutions, and eroding the dignity of Nigerians.
These abuses are often carried out through security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, long associated with extrajudicial killings, and the Department of State Services (DSS), whose record of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other serious human rights violations is well documented.
I am back, and I remain unbroken.
I extend my deepest appreciation to our revolutionary comrades across Nigeria and around the world who stood resolute, occupied the streets, raised their voices, and refused to relent until I regained my freedom. Your courage and solidarity made a profound difference.
Although I have been released on bail under stringent conditions, our mission remains unchanged.
Watch Here: Leaving Kuje Prison
The task before us is greater than any individual. The struggle for justice, freedom, and the liberation of Nigeria continues.
And now, the next major assignment is before us!
The Sowore Presidential Campaign 2027.
The campaign must go on.
#Sowore2027 #RevolutionNow
