Arrest, prosecute those behind Sowore's attack, abduction - Lawyer tells IGP Disu

Human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam on Friday called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack and abduction of the African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Idam said the attack and abduction of Sowore was shameful and unacceptable.

In a statement he signed, the lawyer said Sowore does not deserve such humiliation or treatment.

According to Idam: “The attack and abduction of Omoyele Sowore are shameful and unacceptable. He does not deserve such humiliation or treatment from anyone, regardless of how uncomfortable some people may be with his views, opinions or activism.

“Our society must grow in civility and learn to treat opposing voices with respect, restraint and lawfulness. Democracy thrives on dissent, not intimidation, harassment or violence.

“No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands simply to prove a point. If we allow such conduct to become normal, we risk pushing our society towards anarchy, where the rule of law gives way to the rule of force, and life becomes nasty, brutish and insecure.

“The Inspector-General of Police must act swiftly to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

Idam noted that nobody is above the law, adding that Sowore and those around him should be protected.

“No one should be above the law, and no one should be denied the protection of the law because of their opinions or convictions,” he added.