The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has strongly condemned the recent attack on human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. NSCI convener, Ambassador Yerima Shettima, described the attack as unacceptable and warned that violence against individuals for expressing their views or engaging in legitimate activities undermines democratic values and the rule of law.
Shettima urged security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all those arrested in connection with the attack are properly investigated, with anyone found culpable prosecuted in accordance with the law. He emphasized that disagreements over political affiliations, opinions, or public activities could not justify violence, stressing that every Nigerian had the right to express dissenting views without intimidation or threats to personal safety.
The NSCI convener cautioned that the arrest of suspects should not be regarded as the conclusion of the matter, but rather the beginning of a credible investigative process capable of identifying those responsible and determining their individual roles. He urged the relevant security authorities to ensure that the investigation was transparent and free from political interference or external pressure.
According to Shettima, the process must be guided by facts, evidence, and fairness, while respecting the rights of everyone involved. He stressed that those found to have participated in the attack or aided and abetted the violence must face the full weight of the law, and equally, the rights of all suspects must be respected, and the investigation must follow due process.
The group also urged political actors, public figures, and their supporters to embrace tolerance, restraint, and democratic engagement, warning against conduct capable of escalating tensions and threatening peaceful coexistence. Shettima emphasized that security agencies must demonstrate professionalism by pursuing the case to its logical conclusion and ensuring that justice was not compromised.
Shettima reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the protection of human rights, democratic principles, and a society where Nigerians could express their opinions without fear of intimidation or violence. He stressed that freedom of expression, peaceful engagement, and the right to personal safety remained fundamental democratic principles that must be protected irrespective of an individual’s political leanings or public standing.
The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, and the NSCI has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack. The group believes that a credible investigation will not only establish accountability but also help prevent similar incidents in the future, and they will continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerians to express themselves freely.
Key points
- NSCI convener Ambassador Yerima Shettima condemned the attack on Omoyele Sowore and called for a thorough investigation.
- The group urged security agencies to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the attack.
- The incident has raised concerns about the state of democratic values and the rule of law in Nigeria.
