Lagos, Nigeria – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from detention by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) after spending days in custody over alleged forgery and cyberbullying charges.
Sowore confirmed his release on Friday night through his verified social media handles, and also addressed supporters in a Facebook Live session shortly after regaining freedom.
In his post, the #RevolutionNow convener wrote:
“Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt, I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow.”
Police Explain Reason for Detention
Earlier on Friday, CP Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, provided details regarding Sowore’s detention. According to Shogunle, the activist was held over two separate petitions filed against him.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence,” Shogunle stated.
“One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.”
Shogunle also disclosed that Sowore’s lawyers were present during the process. However, the activist allegedly refused to make a statement in their presence.
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record,” the CP explained.
Legal Implications and Police Position
The police commissioner stressed that Sowore’s refusal to give a statement does not halt the investigation.
“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk,” Shogunle said.
“And I believe we’re professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed.”
While Sowore’s release has been welcomed by his supporters, the activist maintained that his freedom is not a victory but a reminder of the power of unity in confronting oppression.
Background
Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and 2023 presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), is a well-known political activist in Nigeria. His #RevolutionNow campaign has frequently put him at odds with authorities, leading to multiple arrests and detentions in the past.
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