Breaking: Police Release Top Nigerian Activist Omoyele Sowore
- Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been released by the Nigerian police after being detained for two days
- Sowore, who confirmed his release on Friday evening, August 8, expressed gratitude to supporters who stood by him during the ordeal
- The activist, known for his unwavering criticism of government policies and advocacy for democratic reforms
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
FCT, Abuja - Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, has been released from police custody after a 48-hour detention.
Legit.ng reports that Barrister Festus Ogun, an ally of Sowore, disclosed the update on Friday night, August 8, via his known X (formerly Twitter) account.
Source: Facebook
Omoyele Sowore regains freedom
Ogun wrote:
"Sowore has been released from unlawful detention. Never shall we bow on the alter of Baal. We will not succumb to repression and oppression by the authorities. We will stand against evil until truth wins.
"The battle has just begun. Aluta continua!"
Legit.ng also sighted a message on Sowore's verified Facebook page announcing the development.
The post reads:
"Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt, I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up!"
It would be recalled that Sowore, a media entrepreneur, was detained after honouring an invitation from the inspector-general of police (IGP) monitoring unit at the force headquarters. During this period, Sowore sustained a broken arm as a result of alleged assault by police officers.
The police invitation followed allegations of forgery and criminal defamation. However, the police have yet to disclose the full details of the petitions despite Sowore’s insistence on transparency before appearing.
Sowore, through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, requested that the initial summons be reissued with a clear legal basis and disclosure of the allegations.
The police complied and rescheduled the meeting for 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, pledging to provide a copy of the petition at the time of appearance.
In a Facebook post confirming his intention to honour the invitation, Sowore had urged fellow activists and “voices of resistance” to accompany him to the force headquarters.
He wrote:
“Let every freedom fighter, every citizen of conscience, every voice of resistance assemble early tomorrow at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja."
Following his appearance at the police headquarters, Sowore was detained and interrogated by deputy commissioner of police Akin Fakorede, a former officer of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
According to the Facebook post managed by his associate, two petitions were presented during interrogation, one alleging forgery and the other filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, who was reportedly promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police and allegedly has personal ties to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
The post said the latter petition accuses Sowore of criminal defamation.
Some Nigerian lawyers, labour leaders, and politicians criticised the police handling of the case, citing procedural breaches and abuse of power.
Why Sowore was detained
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the commissioner of police (CP) for Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, explained Sowore's detainment.
Shogunle, while addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja, said Sowore’s arrest and detention were ordered after the activist allegedly refused to make a statement upon police interrogation.
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Source: Legit.ng
