Take It Back Movement [TIB] Threatens Nationwide Unrest, Demands Immediate Release Of Sowore From Police Custody

 

Growing tension has emerged across Nigeria following the arrest of prominent activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. The Take It Back Movement, a civil society group known for its bold criticism of government policies, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting on Sowore’s unconditional release. The group threatened that failure to comply would lead to coordinated nationwide protests that could paralyze major cities.

Sowore, who has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s activism landscape for years, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday. His arrest followed a demonstration held in Lagos on Monday, where protesters demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to police authorities, the protest was staged in an area the courts had previously designated as restricted for demonstrations.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin explained that Sowore’s arrest was based on his alleged defiance of a court order restricting public gatherings in certain locations. Hundeyin maintained that while citizens have the right to protest, such activities must remain within the limits of the law. His statement, however, did little to calm the outrage that has spread among Sowore’s supporters and rights advocates, who view the arrest as a calculated attempt to silence dissent.

The Take It Back Movement, which Sowore helped to establish, quickly released a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as the continued pattern of oppression against voices of dissent in Nigeria. The statement, signed by the movement’s national coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, accused the government of weaponizing law enforcement to intimidate activists and stifle civic engagement.

According to Juwon, the arrest represents not just an attack on Sowore, but a broader assault on freedom of expression and the democratic rights of Nigerians. He declared that the movement would not fold its arms while one of its most outspoken leaders is unlawfully detained. The statement urged the government to act responsibly and order the immediate release of Sowore, warning that any further delay would trigger a wave of protests across the country.

Juwon stated that the movement is already mobilizing supporters and collaborating with other progressive organizations to prepare for sustained demonstrations. He emphasized that such protests would not be symbolic one-day events, but rather continuous civil disobedience actions designed to force the government to reverse what he described as its authoritarian tendencies.

“Let it be clearly known,” Juwon said, “that any attempt to suppress Sowore’s voice or keep him behind bars will be met with decisive resistance from citizens who are tired of intimidation. We will not be silent while the rights of Nigerians are trampled upon under the guise of law enforcement.”

The Take It Back Movement also accused the current administration of adopting similar oppressive tactics as previous governments. They argued that the Tinubu-led government is fast losing credibility by treating activism and public dissent as criminal acts. According to the group, a democracy that punishes those who hold contrary opinions is no better than a dictatorship.

Civil rights groups, student unions, and social justice advocates have since joined the chorus of voices calling for Sowore’s release. Many have taken to social media to express their anger, describing the incident as another example of the state’s intolerance for opposition. Several hashtags demanding justice for Sowore have begun trending online, attracting attention from international human rights organizations.

The activist’s arrest has once again reignited debate about the shrinking space for civic expression in Nigeria. Analysts argue that recurring confrontations between the state and activists reflect a government struggling to balance control with democratic principles. Observers also note that Sowore’s persistent activism, which often targets corruption and abuse of power, continues to make him a target of security agencies.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has faced multiple arrests over the years for his activism. His confrontations with various administrations have turned him into one of the most recognizable symbols of resistance in modern Nigerian politics.

The Take It Back Movement’s latest threat has sparked fears of widespread protests similar to those witnessed during the EndSARS movement. Many Nigerians recall the scale of that uprising and worry that renewed unrest could disrupt economic activities and strain already tense relations between the public and the state.

Despite these concerns, the group insists that its actions are aimed at protecting democratic integrity. They claim that silence in the face of injustice would only embolden the government to further erode civil liberties.

As of Thursday morning, the Nigeria Police Force had not provided any indication of when Sowore might be released. Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount, with various organizations pledging solidarity and warning that the situation could escalate rapidly if the activist remains in custody.

Nigeria now stands at a familiar crossroads, where the government’s next steps could either defuse or inflame the situation. Whether the authorities choose dialogue or confrontation may determine not just Sowore’s fate, but also the broader direction of civic freedom in the country.