Sowore Recounts Kuje Prison Ordeal, Says He Shared Facility With 37 Tuberculosis Patients
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has spoken about his recent detention at Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the facility as overcrowded and alleging that he was held alongside inmates receiving treatment for tuberculosis.
Sowore made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday following his release on bail.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, had on Tuesday granted the activist bail in the sum of N200 million.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed him to provide two sureties, including a traditional ruler from his community and another person with landed property in Abuja.
Reflecting on his time in custody, Sowore said he was detained among more than 1,158 inmates, including 37 inmates undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
According to him, the experience reinforced his longstanding position that individuals should not be imprisoned for actions protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
“Prison is not new to me, and perhaps that explains how quickly I settle into prison life. But the truth remains that no one should spend even a minute behind bars for an offence unknown to law or for exercising constitutionally protected rights,” he said.
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate also accused successive Nigerian governments of targeting him since his university days, alleging a pattern of human rights violations and democratic decline.
He criticised the role of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention practices.
Despite the experience, Sowore expressed appreciation to Nigerians and supporters across the world for standing by him during his incarceration.
He maintained that his release would not alter his political and activist commitments.
“I am back, and I remain unbroken. Although I have been released on bail under stringent conditions, our mission remains unchanged,” he stated.
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