By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the ongoing criminal proceedings against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, alleging that efforts are being made to subject him to treatment similar to that of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.

According to a statement signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association said it was "deeply alarmed by the disturbing trajectory of the criminal proceedings" against Sowore. It alleged that the Federal High Court was creating "the unmistakable impression that extraordinary judicial speed is reserved only for critics of those in power," urged Justice Mohammed Umar to consider recusing himself to preserve public confidence in the judiciary, and maintained that threats to foreclose the defence could undermine the constitutional right to a fair hearing.

"We ask a simple question: Is Justice Mohammed Umar the only judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja?" the association said, arguing that assigning the matter to another judge would remove what it described as the "baggage of perceived bias" surrounding the proceedings.

HURIWA said it was particularly disturbed by what it described as the unusual haste with which the case was being handled, claiming repeated threats had been made to foreclose Sowore's defence.

"Justice cannot operate with two different speed limits," the group stated, comparing the pace of Sowore's prosecution with corruption cases involving politically exposed persons, which it said had remained before the courts for more than a decade without similar urgency.

The association cited the cases involving former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku, alleging that each had witnessed prolonged adjournments and procedural delays.

It argued that the apparent disparity raises constitutional concerns over equal treatment before the law, questioning why government critics allegedly face accelerated trials while politically connected defendants accused of looting public funds continue to experience lengthy court proceedings.

"The Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing," HURIWA said, adding that the right includes adequate opportunity to prepare and present a defence through counsel of one's choice. It warned that threatening to shut out the defence in a criminal trial should never become routine judicial practice.

The group recalled the prosecution and detention of Nnamdi Kanu, saying the case attracted widespread national and international criticism over due process concerns and urging the judiciary not to repeat actions capable of weakening public confidence in the rule of law.

"The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man," the association maintained, urging the courts to avoid every appearance of selective justice, political influence or institutional intolerance toward citizens expressing dissenting opinions.

HURIWA also called on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to closely monitor the proceedings "in the overriding interest of justice and public confidence."

The association further alleged that previous assignments of politically sensitive cases had fuelled public perceptions of bias, although it did not provide evidence to support the claim.

It urged the court to ensure that Sowore enjoys all constitutional safeguards guaranteed under Nigerian law, including what it described as full opportunity to present his defence without intimidation or undue procedural pressure.

"Democracy flourishes where criticism is tolerated, not criminalised," HURIWA said, while criticising the Department of State Services' prosecution of Sowore over alleged social media comments about President Bola Tinubu.

The group also alleged that the presiding judge ought to have recused himself after the defendant expressed a lack of confidence in his impartiality, claiming that continuing with the case could deepen public suspicion about the proceedings.

"Nigeria's judiciary must stand above suspicion," the association stressed, saying every Nigerian—whether an opposition figure, activist, former governor or ordinary citizen—should be entitled to equal justice under the law.