Subject
Nigerian dissent crackdown.
Significance
Nigerian journalist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was freed on bail on December 24, following a month in which he was released by a federal judge, rearrested by agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) in defiance of that order and finally released by order of the attorney-general. Sowore’s case highlights President Muhammadu Buhari’s increasing clampdown on dissent, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) preparing to give the executive branch new powers with a series of bills designed further to restrict freedom of expression.
Impacts
Public demonstrations against DSS impunity and government curbs on free speech will likely be met with force, despite official denials.
The Trump administration’s cooperation with Nigeria will come under renewed scrutiny from Democrats and human rights organisations.
Abuja may increasingly look to bolster its online surveillance capacity with the assistance of authoritarian states.
