Omoyele Sowore criticized Nigerian businessman and politician Ned Nwoko, describing him as a “so-called billionaire” who allegedly abused his influence to imprison people.
“This so-called billionaire was just throwing people in prison,” Sowore said, framing Nwoko’s actions as a misuse of wealth and power against ordinary citizens.
According to Sowore, the businessman’s reach extended even to his own village, where he allegedly exerted control over who could be detained. The activist explained that these actions reflected a broader pattern of intimidation and influence.
Sowore revealed that during a recent investigation, nine individuals were discovered imprisoned under circumstances linked directly to Nwoko.
“We found nine people in prison, all locked up by the same Ned Nwoko from his village,” he stated, emphasizing the scale of the alleged abuse.
He explained that these prisoners were ordinary people who had reportedly crossed paths with Nwoko in matters involving land disputes, local disagreements, or personal conflicts. Sowore suggested that the use of incarceration was a deliberate method of maintaining control and suppressing opposition.
The activist highlighted that the nine individuals were not isolated cases but part of a series of incidents demonstrating alleged impunity. He noted that this pattern of behavior has had far-reaching consequences, affecting multiple families within the community.
Sowore also underlined the role of law enforcement in facilitating these detentions. According to him, Nwoko’s influence over local authorities enabled him to act with little fear of legal consequences, allowing for what he described as systematic oppression
He described the emotional toll on the families of those imprisoned, stressing that the fear, uncertainty, and public humiliation had lasting effects on their lives. The cases highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens in the face of powerful individuals.
Sowore pointed out that bringing attention to these incidents was crucial for justice. By documenting and sharing these occurrences, he argued, the public can hold influential figures accountable and demand transparency in the legal process.
The activist framed the situation as part of his ongoing advocacy against abuse of power in Nigeria. He emphasized that addressing the wrongful imprisonment of these individuals was consistent with broader efforts to protect human rights and ensure fairness.
Sowore called for accountability for those in positions of wealth and influence. “No matter how powerful they are, they cannot operate above the law,” he said.
