The Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation has raised alarm over the reported injury of detained Nigerian human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, during what the group described as a violent and unlawful attempt to forcefully bring him to court.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Dr. Comrd Auwal Usman (Awareness), the organization said credible reports indicate that around 6:00 AM, security operatives made a forceful attempt to drag Sowore from his detention cell to a courtroom, allegedly without legal representation and in total disregard for due process.

During the incident, Sowore reportedly sustained a serious injury to his left hand and was subsequently moved to an undisclosed location.

“This action amounts to a gross violation of his fundamental rights as enshrined under Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee freedom from torture, right to personal liberty, and the right to fair hearing,” the foundation stated.

The group called on Nigerian authorities to halt any further physical or psychological harm against Sowore and demanded urgent access to medical attention and legal representation for the activist.

“Dragging an activist to court in secrecy and without legal counsel is an affront to the rule of law and a dangerous sign of political repression,” the statement added.

The foundation is also demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, and the dropping of all politically motivated and trumped-up charges against him.

“Democracy cannot flourish where freedom of expression and dissenting voices are criminalized. It is time for the Nigerian government to listen to its citizens rather than muzzle them,” the organization concluded.

Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, has faced multiple arrests and legal challenges in recent years, often linked to his outspoken criticism of government policies.

The incident has drawn attention from rights groups including Amnesty International Nigeria, as well as widespread condemnation on social media.