Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the arrest of three bloggers by the Nigeria Police Force over reports concerning the alleged marital status of businessman Tony Elumelu.
In a statement, Sowore argued that it is not a criminal offence for bloggers to report on such matters, stressing that issues relating to personal relationships fall within the domain of civil law and should not attract police intervention.
He cautioned the police, including senior officer Tunji Disu, against what he described as the misuse of state power to suppress freedom of expression.
Sowore called for the immediate release of the detained bloggers — Kingsley Akunemeihe (also known as Directorkem), Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue (popularly known as Problemchimky).
He further insisted that the police must uphold citizens’ rights and refrain from actions that could be perceived as repression of the media and online commentators.
