Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has confirmed his departure for the United States following the release of his passport by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Nigerian government recently withdrew its treasonable felony case against Sowore, leading to the court’s order to return his passport, which was seized four years ago.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, will be leaving via a United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington, D.C.
He stated that his trip would be short, emphasizing his commitment to return to Nigeria to continue his struggle and face various legal challenges.
Sowore expressed gratitude to his family, lawyers, colleagues, and fellow revolutionaries who supported him during his detention.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerians, including suffering, deprivation, hunger, poverty, and insecurity, vowing to return with deeper determination to continue the struggle for justice and a better society.
Sowore said, “Following my unjust, inhuman, and unlawful detention in Nigeria since August 2019, I will be traveling to the US from Lagos later today, 8 March 2024, on a late-night flight.
“The ordeal that my family, colleagues, and associates have endured, and continue to endure, in fighting for the liberation of Nigeria, is unimaginable.
“However, before embarking on these journeys in my early days, beginning in the university, it was clear to me that they would cost me and others who firmly believe that a just and egalitarian society must be established during our lifetime.
“Let me clarify: My trip today, to reunite with my kids and ebullient wife, is only for a short while since I am bound to return to Nigeria not only to continue my struggle for the total liberation of our people, but also to face the myriad of bogus criminal and civil cases thrown at me since my detention began.
“I take this opportunity to thank my family, lawyers, colleagues, and fellow revolutionaries at home and abroad who have stood firmly against all odds since my sojourn in Nigeria.
“Sadly, I make this trip at a time that greater suffering, deprivation, hunger, poverty, and insecurity continue to be inflicted on the people in what should be one of the world’s richest and most inviting nations.
“But I will return with deeper determination to continue with the struggle.”
