Sowore’s Release: Rights Advocate Patrick Agbese Reacts, Makes 6 Key Demands
- UK-trained human rights activist Patrick Agbese has welcomed the release of activist Omoyele Sowore
- Sowore, arrested on August 6 over alleged forgery and inciting disturbance, was freed two days later following public protests
- Reacting, Agbese condemned Sowore’s detention as a violation of his rights and issued six key demands, including a public apology from the police
Abuja, FCT - Patrick Agbese, a UK-trained solicitor and human rights advocate, has welcomed the release of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist, just as he renewed his calls for systemic judicial reforms to guarantee fair trials in Nigeria.
Recall that Sowore was detained by the police on Wednesday, August 6, after responding to an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit in Abuja. He was freed on Friday, August 8, following widespread public pressure and condemnation.
Source: UGC
Agbese described the release as a victory for collective action but warned that it should not overshadow wider concerns about judicial fairness and police misconduct.
His words:
“Omoyele Sowore’s release is proof that the Nigerian people’s voice cannot be silenced when we stand united."
Allegations against Sowore
Sowore’s arrest was allegedly linked to allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance, tied to Sahara Reporters’ investigations into alleged corruption within the NPF, including criticism of IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership.
Reports said Sowore sustained a serious injury to his right arm during a forced transfer to an undisclosed location on Thursday, August 7. Police, however, denied this.
Agbese condemned the actions as a “calculated assault” on Sowore’s life and dignity, comparing them to tactics used during Nigeria’s military rule.
Protests forced police to release Sowore - Agbese
According to Agbese, protests, online campaigns and advocacy by groups including Amnesty International and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) forced the police to release Sowore.
“The power of collective resistance forced the police to capitulate,” he said, echoing Sowore’s own remarks that his freedom resulted from a “revolutionary movement” of supporters.
Sowore's release: Agbese makes six demands
Meanwhile, Agbese outlined several demands following Sowore’s release. They include.:
- Systemic judicial reforms to ensure fair and transparent trials.
- A public apology from the NPF and IGP Egbetokun to Sowore for rights violations.
- Accountability for those responsible for Sowore’s detention and alleged inhumane treatment.
- An end to the police acting as accuser, investigator, and jailer in the same case.
- Enforcement of the 48-hour rule in the 1999 Constitution for charging detainees.
- An end to bogus and politically motivated charges against critics.
Agbese said the NPF’s dual role as complainant and detainer in Sowore’s case violated natural justice. He urged the government to strengthen adherence to constitutional provisions and protect citizens from politically motivated prosecutions.
“Every Nigerian deserves a justice system that respects their rights, not one that serves as a tool of oppression,” he said.
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Source: Legit.ng
