The Nigeria Police Force on Friday defended the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, citing allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement from Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the detention was lawful, conducted in line with constitutional safeguards, and backed by a valid court remand order. He said Sowore was arrested based on credible allegations and released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The police denied reports that Sowore was tortured, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for torture under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017. Adejobi said the bandage seen on the activist’s arm was among his personal belongings when he honoured the police invitation and that he twice declined independent medical examinations on August 7 and 8.
Sowore was released from custody on Friday evening. In a post on X, he accused the police and the Inspector-General of Police of unlawful conduct but thanked supporters for standing by him. He had been invited to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance before being detained.
His arrest sparked protests in Abuja and Lagos. Amnesty International alleged that his arm was broken during a forced transfer attempt and called for his release. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Nigeria Labour Congress condemned the detention, describing it as an abuse of power and a threat to democracy.
