Celebrities react as Nigerian Government charges Sowore with fraud, treason

Celebrities including Don Jazzy, Adekunle Gold and popular activist  Segalink have reacted to the 7 count charge against Omoyele Sowore.

The Nigerian government had filed a seven-count charge of fraud and treasonable felony against the publisher of Sahara Reporters. 

The charges are coming about 50 days of Sowore in detention following his arrest by the DSS on August 3rd. 

Officers of Nigeria’s secret police, SSS, had arrested Mr Sowore, in the build-up to the #RevolutionNow protest, and accused him of seeking to overthrow the incumbent government.

On Friday the government filed formal charges accusing Mr Sowore of making several transfers of $16,975 and $20,475 from his domiciliary account with the United Bank for Africa with the intention to conceal the origin of the money.

Mr Sowore who was charged alongside another defendant, Olawole Bakare, was also accused of treason for his involvement in organizing the #RevolutionNow protest.

Sowore is also accused of cyberstalking and disseminating information from an interview he had with a medium, Arise Television, despite knowing such information to be false.

He faces a life term in prison if found guilty. 

Don Jazzy who pleaded on Sowore’s behalf urged Nigerians not to watch as voices who speak out are silenced. 

He said, 

“This dangerous precedent of stifling opposition voices and dissenting opinions has survived enough.

“Let’s not pretend our nascent democracy isn’t being sabotaged when citizens shudder at the thought of people they elected into power.

“I plead for Sowore, #FreeSowore.

“It’s really sad to watch. The young man means well for our dear Nigeria. Who is next? I plead for Sowore #FreeSowore.”

Meanwhile, singer Adekunle Gold referred to the charges as fictional. 

He said,

“I really don’t want to believe those fictional charges against Sowore. Treasonable what? That must be a joke.”

Convener of #EndSars movement, Segalink, labeled the act of the Government as a mockery of democracy. 

Segalink said, 

“History is replete with the pattern of how despots always find pretext for their tyranny.

“The FG charges against @YeleSowore is disgraceful, abhorrent, unconscionable and mocks every fiber of our humanity and democracy.

“Release all political prisoners and serve the people.”

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