A civil group, the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has condemned the continued detention of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore following the revocation of his bail and his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
MOTION is a movement launched by ActionAid Nigeria to improve democracy, combat poverty, and injustice.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Convener, Mrs Hauwa Mustapha, the group described the development as a threat to democracy and civic freedoms in Nigeria.
According to the statement, Sowore's bail was revoked on June 16, 2026, while he was remanded on June 22 pending further proceedings in his ongoing case.
A Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Monday had ordered Mr Sowore’s remand pending the determination of an application challenging the revocation of his bail.
The court also dismissed an application seeking the trial judge’s recusal over allegations of bias.
MOTION said the matter goes beyond an individual legal case, warning that the incarceration of a journalist, activist, and opposition figure under such circumstances raises concerns about fair hearing, proportionality, and the protection of fundamental rights.
"The incarceration of a journalist, activist, and opposition figure under circumstances that raise serious questions about fair hearing, proportionality, and the protection of fundamental rights sends a disturbing message to all Nigerians who dare to speak, organise, protest, publish, or hold government accountable," the statement said.
The group further argued that the use of security agencies and judicial processes in ways that appear to criminalise dissent could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken the rule of law.
MOTION stated that Sowore's detention threatens democracy by weakening freedom of expression, undermining confidence in democratic institutions, and shrinking civic space for journalists, activists, opposition figures, and citizens seeking accountability.
The organisation called for Sowore's immediate release and urged the Federal Government to ensure that state institutions are not used to punish dissent.
It also called on the judiciary to safeguard its independence and due process, while urging security agencies to avoid actions that could criminalise civic expression and opposition politics.
"We therefore demand the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore and call for an end to every form of judicial and political persecution targeted at dissenting voices in Nigeria," the statement added.
MOTION also urged civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups, pro-democracy advocates and the international community to remain vigilant and speak out against actions that could deepen authoritarian tendencies in the country.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with citizens, journalists and human rights defenders facing intimidation for exercising their democratic rights.
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