THE 112 women that were arrested in Owerri, the Imo State capital exactly one week ago, have been released.
This is according to Sam Amadi, a legal practitioner and human rights activist who had filed a case in court to challenge the remand order issued against the women by a Magistrate.
“It is done. Our mothers and sisters are free. We were very many who fought for this victory. And the voices remained very strong on Social Media. Thank you, everyone. Daalunu. Updates as we get them,” Amadi tweeted.
In a phone interview with The ICIR, the Police Public Relation Officer, Imo State command, Enwerem Andrew has also confirmed the release.
It is done. Our mothers and sisters are free. #freedomforOwerriWomen
— Sam Amadi (@SamAmadi) August 24, 2018
We were very many who fought for this victory. And the voices remained very strong on Social Media.
Thank you everyone. Daalunu. Updates as we get them. #freedomforOwerriwomen
— Sam Amadi (@SamAmadi) August 24, 2018
Earlier on Friday, Amadi had tweeted that he was in court to vacate the remand order issued against the women, and secure their release. He also criticised the police for arresting peaceful protesters.
Human rights activists had held a demonstration in Owerri on Friday, demanding that the women be released. Among the demonstrators was Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who is also running for the presidency in the 2019 general election.
I have just left Owerri prison where I demanded the release of the 112 women detained for several days. We must not become a country where impunity by the authorities is the response to peaceful dissent. Freedom of association and expression should apply to all Nigerians.
— Kingsley Moghalu (@MoghaluKingsley) August 24, 2018
I support efforts being made by well-meaning Nigerians to secure the unconditional release of 112 women detained in Owerri prison for a peaceful demonstration. Their freedom of speech and assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution, and is non-negotiable. pic.twitter.com/8PQXg4E96f
— Kingsley Moghalu (@MoghaluKingsley) August 24, 2018
Below is how some other reactions to the release of the Owerri women:
Thank u everyone who lent a voice to see we achieved #FreeOwerri112 before the onset of the week-end. Thank u!!
— Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) August 24, 2018
Best News of today: The RELEASE of the #ImoWomenProtesters from Owerri prison.
WE as Citizens Collective must NEVER PERMIT the Constitutional Rights of ANY Nigerian to be TRAMPLED on by especially those whose DUTY it is to DEFEND them.
Kudos to their Legal Support Team. 🙏🏾
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) August 24, 2018