The group, in a statement, warned that failure to comply would trigger nationwide and international mobilization, highlighting concerns over Nigeria’s shrinking civic space and the increasing suppression of dissenting voices.
Justice Minded (JUSMind), a civil rights organization, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government and police to release human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters arrested during the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja.
The group, in a statement, warned that failure to comply would trigger nationwide and international mobilization, highlighting concerns over Nigeria’s shrinking civic space and the increasing suppression of dissenting voices.
Security operatives reportedly dispersed the demonstration violently, detaining participants who were exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Observers described the actions as part of a broader pattern of repression against civic actors.
“Justice Minded hereby demands: Immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all other detained protesters arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest,” the statement said.
The organization also demanded “a public apology and accountability process for the unlawful arrests, harassment, and excessive use of force by the Nigeria Police Force,” stressing that citizens’ rights cannot be suspended for political convenience.
JUSMind criticised the police justification that Sowore “led the protesters into a restricted area,” calling the reasoning “legally baseless, morally indefensible, and politically repressive.”
The statement highlighted that using court orders selectively undermines both the judiciary and public trust in democratic governance.
The group said the arrests send a chilling message to citizens.
“By targeting human rights defenders like Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian state sends a chilling message that civic participation and criticism will be met with coercion,” it added.
JUSMind urged the judiciary to resist political interference, saying judges must “stand firmly on the side of justice, liberty, and the Constitution—the supreme law of the land,” and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of repression.
The organization demanded that the government “reaffirm its commitment to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest, expression, and assembly,” while calling on national bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and National Assembly committees to investigate abuses of power.
International bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, African Union, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, were urged “to hold the Nigerian government accountable for repeated violations of civil liberties,” emphasizing the need for global scrutiny.
The group warned that failure to comply with the 48-hour ultimatum would trigger nationwide mobilization and coordinated international advocacy campaigns.
“To criminalize peaceful protest is to criminalize democracy itself,” the statement concluded, urging Nigerians, civil society, media, and the international community to defend human rights and the rule of law.
