The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has threatened to stage nationwide protests following the alleged detention of its convener and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
According to The Telegraph, Sowore arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by his supporters, in response to a police invitation.
The NPF, through the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, is currently investigating Sowore over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance.
TIB’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, told The Telegraph that he had been informed of a court order authorizing Sowore’s detention. In a statement issued later, Sanyaolu condemned what he described as the “continued harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention” of Sowore, who also leads the RevolutionNow movement.
He described the police summons as “politically motivated,” alleging that Sowore was denied access to the petition filed against him and the identity of the complainant.
A day earlier, the police had written to Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, stating that details of the petition would be disclosed during Sowore’s interview with DCP Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Although the specifics of the interview remain unclear, videos circulating on social media showed Sowore’s supporters protesting at the police headquarters, warning against his detention.
In a strongly worded statement, Sanyaolu announced that Nigerians, including students and workers, were being mobilized for mass action. “We will not hesitate to occupy Police Commands nationwide until Sowore is released and justice is served,” he declared.
AAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, echoed the threat of protest, urging all “men and women of conscience” to prepare for mass mobilization against what he called the state’s attempt to suppress dissent.
Meanwhile, former SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo criticized the police via a post on X.com. He stated, “The police are a constitutional and civil body, not above criticism,” adding that law enforcement should not be used to stifle dissent.
“Critics don’t have to be right to be protected from unlawful arrest or detention,” Adebayo wrote. He also questioned the police’s priorities, noting that with limited manpower to tackle widespread criminality, it is “a study in misplaced priorities” to devote resources to pursuing Sowore.
