Amanze Chinonye
The Global Directorate of the Take It Back (TIB) movement has strongly condemned what it described as a wave of “unlawful arrests” of peaceful protesters and human rights advocates in Nigeria, including the detention of its convener, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Director-General, Chidi Cadet Nwanyanwu, TIB accused Nigerian security agencies of intensifying repression against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
According to the group, the clampdown began on Monday, October 20, when security operatives arrested Barrister Aloy Ejimakor legal counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu alongside Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and several other protesters participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstrations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe statement noted that the situation worsened on Thursday, October 23, following the arrest of Sowore in Abuja after he reportedly honoured a police invitation. TIB said the activist had not been seen since.
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A viral video circulating online shows uniformed policemen accosting Sowore and his team before his arrest. In the footage, the officers are heard asking not to be recorded, insisting that the Commissioner of Police had directed that Sowore be brought in. The incident, which occurred shortly before his disappearance, has triggered public outrage and renewed calls for his release.
“These arrests are not only unlawful they are a direct attack on the constitutional right to peaceful protest and a desperate attempt to silence voices of conscience,” the group said.
TIB warned that any harm to Sowore, Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, or other detained protesters would be “met with mass resistance” both within Nigeria and among its supporters in the diaspora. It held the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the administration of President Bola Tinubu responsible for the safety of the detained individuals.
“The world is watching, and history is recording,” the statement added, demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of all arrested protesters.
The group reaffirmed its alignment with an earlier statement by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, who also warned of nationwide resistance should the crackdown continue.
TIB reiterated its commitment to continue mobilising for justice, insisting that it “will not be silenced” until those detained are freed and citizens’ rights to dissent are respected.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
