Josh Gottheimer, a member of the United States Congress, has condemned the rearrest of pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Department of State Services at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
This came barely 24 hours after he was released on bail after spending 125 days in detention.
Reacting to the situation, Gottheimer said he is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing harassment of Sowore.
He disclosed that he was working alongside Senator Bob Menendez to ensure Sowore returns home safe.
The lawmaker said, “@SenatorMenendez and I are deeply concerned about the rearrest, harassment and ongoing detention in Nigeria of Omoyele Sowore from Haworth, NJ.
“We will continue working to ensure he is not deprived of his rights and will be able to return to his family safely.”
.@SenatorMenendez and I are deeply concerned about the re-arrest, harassment and ongoing detention in Nigeria of Omoyele Sowore from Haworth, NJ.
We will continue working to ensure he is not deprived of his rights and will be able to return to his family safely. pic.twitter.com/3mp0zPrCd8
— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) December 7, 2019
Sowore was first arrested on August 3, 2019 for calling on Nigerians to pour out to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to demand a better country from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
His being accused of insulting President Buhari and planning to bring down his government.
Trial in the case commenced on Friday before the DSS invaded the court to forcefully take him away without giving any reason.
