The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Abuja Federal High Court and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over an ex parte order to freeze and scrutinize the bank accounts of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters
The association made the call following the allegation of the polic that Sowore is allegedly under investigation for terrorism financing, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities, with at least 26 bank accounts linked to him and his organizations under probe.
HURIWA in a statement signed by the national Cordinator
Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the charges as “senseless, unreasonable, nebulous, unsubstantiated, and malicious,” accusing the IGP of waging a personal vendetta against Sowore.
The group condemned the Federal High Court for enabling the “illegal trials” of Sowore, stating that granting an ex parte order based on flimsy grounds is “reprehensible and odious.”
HURIWA argued that the IGP’s actions constitute an abuse of power, offending the Constitution’s provisions against misuse of office and power.
The group expressed belief that the IGP’s actions are driven by personal interests, rather than public importance. HURIWA emphasized that the IGP’s actions may infringe on Sowore’s constitutional rights.
HURIWA called on the Nigerian Police Council and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and stop the IGP from misusing public funds for personal battles.
They demanded that the IGP focus on legitimate law enforcement activities rather than pursuing vendettas against individuals like Sowore.
NIM
