Police Defend Sowore Arrest, Deny Torture Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force has justified the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, citing allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences. The Force also rejected widespread claims that he was tortured in custody.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Sowore’s detention was described as “lawful” and conducted “in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.”

According to Adejobi, Sowore was apprehended based on “credible, corroborated allegations” currently under investigation and was released on bail “well within the 48-hour constitutional window” in accordance with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The police insisted there was “zero-tolerance” for torture, citing the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and international human rights standards. Addressing viral photos showing the activist with a bandaged arm, the statement claimed: “The bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention.”

Adejobi added that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had ordered an internal probe into how Sowore accessed the bandage in custody, particularly after he allegedly declined independent police medical examinations on August 7 and 8. “The record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected,” the statement read.

The Force stressed that the detention was backed by a valid court remand order and “anchored on legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones,” urging the public to avoid “sensationalism” and warning that “no individual… is above the law.”

Sowore, who had honoured a police invitation on Wednesday over allegations of “forgery and inciting disturbance,” was released Friday evening. In a post on X, he accused the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of unlawful conduct but thanked supporters for their solidarity:

“The Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate… I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow.”

The activist later went live to describe his detention, alleging he was assaulted. Amnesty International claimed officers at the Force Intelligence Department broke his arm while trying to forcibly transfer him to court, later taking him to an undisclosed location. The organisation called the process “a flagrant disregard for the rule of law” and demanded all “bogus and politically motivated charges” be dropped.

The arrest drew swift condemnation from political figures and civil society. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labelled it “a shameful abuse of power,” alleging the IGP acted out of “personal vendetta, not policing.” He said Sowore’s “only offence” was speaking against “injustice, nepotism, and misrule,” describing the detention as “an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power.”

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called the arrest “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.” The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also warned that repeated harassment of activists “could signal a return to dictatorship where dissent is suppressed.”

NLC President Joe Ajaero described Sowore as a “moral compass” and warned: “The continued harassment of activists will endanger the rights of all Nigerians.”