Nigerian Government Jails Sowore For Free Speech But Negotiates With Terrorists — Lawyer Ejimakor Condemns Activist’s Remand In Prison
24th June, 2026 | News
Ejimakor Condemns Government’s Alleged Double Standards Over Sowore’s Detention
Human rights lawyer and Special Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as a double standard in the treatment of government critics and violent criminals.
Ejimakor argued that while activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has faced repeated arrests and detention for exercising his constitutional rights to free speech, expression, and peaceful protest, the government has continued to negotiate with armed groups and insurgents responsible for violence across the country.
In a post on X on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Ejimakor reacted to Sowore’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Drawing a contrast between the government’s handling of dissenting voices and armed groups, Ejimakor wrote:
“Whereas Omoyele Sowore has been detained for nearly 50 times for harmless free speech, they are actively negotiating with terrorists, paying them humongous ransoms, rehabilitating them, and calling them their brothers and repentants. That is how the cookie crumbles.”
His comments come amid growing criticism from rights advocates, lawyers, and civil society groups over Sowore’s detention and prosecution following remarks in which he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Critics have accused the government of using state institutions to suppress dissent while adopting a more accommodating approach toward violent actors threatening national security.
The controversy intensified on Monday when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly removed Sowore from the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after Justice Umar ordered his remand in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of an application seeking a stay of execution of a bench warrant and the revocation of his bail.
Witnesses said Sowore had arrived at the court fully prepared for imprisonment, carrying personal belongings, including toiletries and other essentials. He was reportedly awaiting the completion of remand procedures when DSS operatives moved in and escorted him away.
The action sparked confusion and protests from supporters, who questioned the manner in which the activist was taken from the court premises. Security was subsequently tightened around the court complex as tensions rose.
Earlier, Sowore told journalists that imprisonment would not discourage his activism, describing incarceration as one of the sacrifices necessary in the struggle for a better Nigeria.
Over the years, Sowore has faced several arrests and prosecutions linked to his criticism of successive governments, attracting condemnation from local and international human rights organisations.
Ejimakor, who also represents IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has consistently accused the authorities of selective enforcement of the law and unequal treatment of political activists and violent offenders.
His latest remarks have further fueled debate over civil liberties, political dissent, and the government’s approach to national security and justice.