Police defend Sowore’s arrest, dismiss torture allegations

The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, citing allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences, while rejecting claims that he was tortured in custody.

In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the detention was “lawful, carried out in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.”

Adejobi explained that Sowore was arrested based on “credible, corroborated allegations” and released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional window in line with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Force denied accusations of torture, maintaining a “zero-tolerance policy for torture” in line with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 and international human rights obligations. Viral images showing the activist with a bandaged arm were addressed, with police claiming the bandage was part of his personal belongings before arrest.

An internal investigation has been ordered into how he accessed the bandage in custody, especially after allegedly declining two independent medical examinations offered on 7 and 8 August. The police stressed that Sowore’s detention was backed by a valid court remand order and free from political bias.

“No individual, regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law,” the statement concluded.

Sowore’s Release

Sowore was released from custody on Friday evening. In a post on X, he accused the police and the Inspector-General of unlawful conduct but thanked supporters for their solidarity.

“I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention… You’ve all seen the power of unity. #RevolutionNow,” he wrote.

The activist later went live to describe his ordeal and allege he was assaulted.

Sowore had honoured a police invitation on Wednesday over allegations of “forgery and inciting disturbance” but was detained, sparking widespread condemnation.

Protests and Outrage

Protests demanding his release took place in Abuja and Lagos on Thursday, with demonstrators—many dressed in black and carrying the national flag—chanting anti-government songs.

Amnesty International alleged that officers broke his arm while attempting to forcibly move him to court, calling for his immediate and unconditional release and the dropping of “bogus and politically motivated charges.”

Political leaders also condemned the arrest:

Atiku Abubakar called it “a shameful abuse of power” driven by “personal vendetta.”

Peter Obi described it as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned it could signal a return to dictatorship, with President Joe Ajaero calling Sowore “a moral compass” for the nation.