By David Oluyide
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has recounted his nine-day stay at Kuje Correctional Centre, saying he was held alongside 1,158 inmates, including 37 receiving treatment for tuberculosis.
Sowore, who announced his release on Tuesday after the Federal High Court in Abuja restored his bail, described his incarceration as unjust, insisting that no one should be imprisoned “for an offence unknown to law or for exercising constitutionally protected rights.”
“I regained my freedom 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,” he said in a statement sent to Third Lens on Wednesday.
“During those nine days, I was incarcerated alongside more than 1,158 inmates, including 37 who were undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in overcrowded cells.”
Reflecting on his experience, the activist said prison was not new to him because of his long history of arrests dating back to his days as a student activist during the struggle against military rule.
“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,” he said.
Sowore also accused successive Nigerian governments of suppressing dissent and violating citizens’ rights through security agencies.
“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,” he said.
He further alleged that such abuses were often carried out through the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
Expressing appreciation to his supporters, Sowore thanked those who protested and campaigned for his release.
“I am back, and I remain unbroken,” he said.
“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.”
He added that although he had been released on bail under stringent conditions, his commitment to his cause remained unchanged.
“The task before us is greater than any individual. The struggle for justice, freedom, and the liberation of Nigeria continues,” Sowore said.
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