Falana Demands Immediate Probe into Sowore’s Detention, Alleged Torture by Police
- Femi Falana SAN, has called for an immediate investigation into the continued detention and alleged assault of rights activist Omoyele Sowore by officers under the monitoring team of the Inspector General of Police
- In a statement issued on Friday, Falana condemned the treatment meted out to Sowore by the police, describing it as a violation of his constitutional rights
- Falana reacted after Labour Party's Peter Obi and the leadership of the NLC demanded the immediate release of Sowore, insisting "he is not a criminal or a flight risk"
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has condemned the continued detention and alleged assault of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Facebook
Sowore's detention: Violation of constitutional rights - Falana
In a statement issued on Friday, August 8, Falana described Sowore’s treatment in custody as a violation of constitutional rights and demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged abuse.
“As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence.
“However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“To that extent, he is entitled to humane treatment in the custody of the police,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Sowore's alleged torture: Falana calls for probe
Falana insisted that officers who allegedly tortured Sowore must be held accountable under the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
“We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
“Meanwhile, Mr. Sowore should be released from further police custody to enable him to receive urgent medical treatment,” he added.
Police allegedly break Sowore’s arm
Legit.ng earlier reported that Amnesty International accused Nigerian police of violently assaulting detained activist Omoyele Sowore during an early morning transfer attempt.
Sowore reportedly sustained a broken arm after resisting being taken to court without access to legal counsel.
The rights group demanded immediate medical attention for Sowore and accountability for what it described as a blatant abuse of due process.
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- “He is not a criminal, flight risk”: Peter Obi, NLC fume as police allegedly break Sowore’s arm
- “This is personal vendetta”: Atiku blows hot as police allegedly break Sowore’s arm
“Why Sowore is being detained,” Police speak
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Police Force, on Friday, August 8, said Sowore’s arrest and detention were ordered after the activist allegedly refused to make a statement upon police interrogation.
In a video streamed by Sahara Reporters, the commissioner of police for Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said there were two petitions against the activist.
According to CP Shogunle, the police are acting within the confines of the law and denied claims of unlawful detention.
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Source: Legit.ng
