Successive Governments Have Persecuted Me, My Family – Sowore

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that he and members of his family have faced years of persecution by successive Nigerian governments, including the current administration.

Sowore made the allegation in a statement posted on his official social media page on July 13, 2026.

According to him, the alleged actions against him included his expulsion from the University of Lagos on two occasions, the seizure of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and the repeated confiscation of his international passport.

He also claimed that court orders and security agencies were used to prevent him from travelling, resulting in prolonged separation from his family.

“They targeted my education, resulting in my expulsion from the University of Lagos twice. They seized my NYSC certificate, hoping I would never secure employment after graduation,” Sowore said.

He further alleged that his international passport had been repeatedly confiscated.

“They have repeatedly confiscated my travel documents, especially my international passport, keeping me separated from my family for extended periods,” he added.

The activist also alleged that he had been imprisoned, prosecuted, assaulted and harassed over the years, while members of his family and associates had also been targeted.

“They have imprisoned me, prosecuted me, assaulted me, shot at me, harassed those around me, murdered my brother, and tried to break my resolve,” he alleged.

Despite the alleged persecution, Sowore said he remained resolute.

“But they have failed. Persecution cannot defeat conviction, and these acts will not delay their day of judgment,” he stated.