Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised the two-year prison sentence handed to social media user Swanky_concept over false claims about the daughter of singers Adekunle Gold and Simi.
Swanky_concept, identified as Samuel Adeboye Adeyeye, was convicted after pleading guilty to spreading false information online by falsely announcing the death of the couple’s daughter, Deja.
Reacting to the development, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of targeting young Nigerians over social media comments and online banter.
“Today, we are once again witnessing the reckless abuse of @policenh powers against social media users in Nigeria,” he stated.
He also alleged that some celebrities now use the police and the justice system against critics and trolls who make comments they dislike online.
“What is even more disturbing is how some Nigerian celebrities now appear more eager than politicians and security agencies to throw largely poor young Nigerians into prison under the guise of ‘cybercrime,’ simply because of internet banter or comments they dislike,” he said.
The activist further claimed that reports involving Simi, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr and other celebrities show a troubling trend where influential figures allegedly weaponise law enforcement against ordinary citizens.
Sowore argued that criminalising jokes, criticism, trolling and online speech is harmful to democracy and freedom of expression.
“This growing culture of criminalizing speech, jokes, criticism, trolling, and online banter is dangerous to democracy and fundamentally incompatible with freedom of expression,” he added.
He also faulted the Nigeria Police Force and parts of the judicial system for enabling what he described as abuse of power.
“The police must stop acting as private enforcers for the rich, connected and powerful. Nigerians cannot continue to be shipped to prison because influential people are offended online,” Sowore stated.
