Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the arraignment and detention of a 19-year-old blogger accused of defaming businessman .
Reacting in a post on X (Formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, Sowore alleged that the timing of the court proceedings was designed to frustrate the suspect’s chances of securing bail.
He wrote, “Arraignments on a Friday are often used to frustrate the bail process. Now, this young man will spend the next 20 days in prison simply because the useless Nigeria Police Force appears determined to satisfy the wishes of an oppressive billionaire, Tony Elumelu.”
Sowore further accused law enforcement agencies of serving the interests of influential individuals rather than protecting citizens’ rights. According to him, “Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies are serving the interests of the powerful rather than protecting the rights of ordinary citizens.”
He added, “Nigeria is truly a sad place when freedom can be so easily sacrificed to please wealth and influence.”
The comments followed the arraignment of 19-year-old blogger Nurenorue Surpruchi before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations of cyberstalking, bullying and defamation linked to online posts about Elumelu.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge filed by the police. Prosecutors alleged that Surpruchi and others still at large used computer networks to circulate false and injurious information against the UBA chairman.
The court subsequently ordered that the case continue in line with due legal process while the defendant remains in custody pending further proceedings.