Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has demanded justice for victims of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for accountability from both state and non-state actors involved in such violence.
On Sunday, Sowore took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to condemn multiple instances of mob violence and state-led extrajudicial actions. He called for justice in high-profile cases, including the tragic murder of Deborah Samuel, a student lynched by religious extremists in Sokoto on May 12, 2022, and the recent killings of innocent northerners by vigilantes in Edo State.
Sowore also took aim at the Nigerian Army, criticizing its alleged role in extrajudicial killings of Shiite protesters in Abuja. He emphasized that all perpetrators—whether Muslim extremists, vigilantes, or soldiers—must face justice for their actions.
“Whether you are a Muslim extremist who murdered student Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, or a vigilante who lynched innocent northerners in Utomi, Edo, or @HQNigerianArmy soldiers who extra-judicially murdered Shiite protesters in Abuja, they must face justice for their callous actions without exception,” Sowore posted.
His call for justice comes amid rising concerns over mob justice, ethnic violence, and unlawful killings by security forces in the country. In May 2022, Deborah Samuel was tragically killed by a mob for alleged blasphemy, while vigilante groups in Edo State recently killed at least 16 northerners, accusing them of kidnapping.
The Nigerian Army has faced growing allegations of human rights violations, particularly in relation to its crackdown on Shiite protests. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has accused the military of violent repression during their demonstrations in Abuja and beyond.
Known for his outspoken stance on governance and human rights issues, Sowore continues to demand accountability for those involved in the country’s growing human rights violations.
