Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned singer Adekunle Gold over the legal troubles involving a young man identified as Adeboye Samuel.
According to reports, Adeboye was taken to court after making a social media post concerning the singer’s daughter.
Reacting to the situation, Sowore recalled an old social media post made by Adekunle Gold during the 2012 nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidy under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The controversial post had read: “Dear God, if you give us Dagrin back, we will give you Jonathan in return.”
Sowore argued that the singer was not arrested at the time because his statement was considered an act of free speech.
In a post shared on X, Sowore stated that if Adekunle Gold had been arrested for criticising Jonathan in 2012, many Nigerians would have protested against such action.
He questioned why individuals who once benefited from freedom of expression would later support the use of police and cybercrime laws against ordinary citizens over online comments and social media exchanges.
According to Sowore, freedom of speech should apply equally to celebrities, politicians, activists, and regular Nigerians using social media platforms.
The activist further urged the Nigeria Police Force to stop acting in favour of wealthy and influential individuals. He also called on the judiciary to avoid imposing harsh penalties on citizens over internet-related comments that, in his view, should not be treated as criminal offences.
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