YAM Demands Sowore’s Immediate Release, Condemns Alleged DSS Actions

By Peter Oyedele, Abuja

The Youth Arise Movement (YAM), a civil society organization, has demanded the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore, an activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress. The group also urged security agencies to observe democratic rights and due process.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Mubarak Salisu, YAM expressed concern over what it described as ongoing harassment and intimidation of Sowore.

YAM said that if these allegations are correct, they raise serious questions about the respect for freedom of expression, political participation, and civic engagement in Nigeria.

The organization alleged that security agencies are increasingly being used to intimidate citizens who criticize government policies, corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship.

“The continued harassment, intimidation and alleged persecution of Omoyele Sowore represent a serious concern for democratic rights and civic freedoms,” the statement read.

YAM called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to ensure that their operations strictly comply with constitutional provisions and respect fundamental rights.

The group emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and political participation, and urged that these rights be upheld.

It also appealed to civil society organizations, labor unions, youth groups, student bodies, and professional associations to remain vigilant in defending democratic values and civic freedoms.

“An attack on one activist is an attack on the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” YAM said, reaffirming its solidarity with Sowore and others it described as victims of political persecution.

YAM pledged ongoing advocacy for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights, insisting that no citizen should face intimidation for expressing dissenting views or demanding good governance.

The organization urged relevant authorities to observe due process in all ongoing matters and called for restraint in handling politically sensitive cases.