OMOYELE SOWORE SLAMS POLICE CRACKDOWN ON ONLINE CRITICS OF ADEKUNLE GOLD
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the alleged use of law enforcement agencies against social media users following reports that a Twitter troll was sentenced to two years imprisonment over false claims involving the daughter of Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold.
In a series of posts shared online, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of increasingly serving as “private enforcers” for wealthy and influential Nigerians, warning that the criminalisation of online speech poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and democratic values.
The activist also mentioned celebrities including Simi, Adekunle Gold and Ayra Starr while alleging that critics and internet trolls have faced cybercrime-related actions over comments made on social media platforms.
According to Sowore, online trolling, jokes, criticism and internet banter should not attract prison sentences, stressing that many internationally recognised celebrities would be unable to deploy law enforcement agencies against critics in countries with stronger protections for free speech.
Referencing old tweets allegedly made by Adekunle Gold against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, Sowore questioned why individuals who once benefited from open expression would allegedly support the use of the police and the courts against ordinary Nigerians over social media posts.
He further criticised sections of the judiciary over what he described as “outrageous punishments” linked to online speech, insisting that the right to freedom of expression must apply equally to celebrities, politicians, activists and ordinary citizens.
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