Police Detain Sowore Over Alleged Forgery And Incitement

Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance.

He was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon after arriving at the Force Headquarters in Abuja with his legal team and supporters, in response to a police invitation.

According to the Take-It-Back Movement, Sowore was later moved to a separate police facility within the Federal Capital Territory.

The detention followed a letter from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit to Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, requesting his appearance for questioning. The letter stated that details of the petition would be disclosed upon his arrival. He was scheduled to be interviewed by DCP Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit.

Sources said the petition alleges forgery and incitement, although no formal charges had been filed as of press time.

Reacting to the development, Abuja-based human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju accused Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun of using his office to punish critics.

“Egbetokun has ordered the detention of Sowore for criticizing his incompetence, favoritism and other numerous infractions. The Police Act 2020 and Regulation 367 of the Nigeria Police Regulations forbid officers from using their positions to settle personal scores. President Tinubu must sack him now. Egbetokun must go.”

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, also condemned the detention, describing it as “continued harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention.”

“The Nigerian people, students, workers, and our entire membership are hereby put on notice for a nationwide protest against the unlawful use of state institutions to suppress dissent,” he said.

Femi Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), warned that the party would mobilize mass action if Sowore is not released unconditionally.

“We are putting all Nigerians on notice, calling on every man and woman of conscience to be ready for a mass action. We will occupy police commands across the country until Sowore is released and justice is served,” he declared.