Supporters of human rights activist and RevolutionNow Convener, Omoyele Sowore, have threatened to embark on a nationwide protest following his detention by the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Sowore had honoured a police invitation issued by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, which is investigating him over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance. He was accompanied by a group of loyalists who also staged a protest outside the police headquarters.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back (TIB) movement, confirmed that the police had secured a court order to detain Sowore. He described the activist’s detention as a clear case of harassment and political intimidation.
In a statement to the press, Sanyaolu criticised the police for allegedly refusing to provide Sowore access to the petition against him or disclose the identity of the petitioner. He condemned what he called the “continued abuse of state power to suppress dissent.”
He added, “We are putting Nigerians—students, workers, activists, and all people of conscience—on notice. We are ready for mass action. If this continues, we will occupy police commands across the country until Sowore is released.”
The AAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, echoed the call, stating, “The unlawful use of state institutions against Sowore will not be tolerated. Justice must be served.”
Earlier, the police had informed Sowore’s legal representative, Tope Temokun, that details of the petition would be disclosed during an interview with the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, DCP Akin Fakorede.
Though details of the interview remain unknown, social media footage showed protesters voicing their displeasure and chanting solidarity songs at the police premises.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians have expressed concern. Prince Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, said the police must not use their powers to silence critics.
Writing via @Pres_Adebayo on X.com, he stated, “The police are a constitutional body and not above scrutiny. Law enforcement must not be used to intimidate critics or curtail civil liberties.”
He further questioned the use of police resources on Sowore. “With the alarming state of insecurity nationwide, one must ask how the police can spare this much manpower and energy for a political opponent. It is a clear case of misplaced priority,” Adebayo concluded.
