Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody.
Sowore confirmed his release in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday. While announcing his freedom, he accused the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of unlawful conduct, and expressed appreciation to his supporters for standing by him.
However, the activist stated that his release was “nothing to celebrate,” insisting that the broader struggle for justice continues.
“The Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention,” he wrote.
“However, it is nothing to celebrate, work continues. But I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity. #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore had voluntarily reported to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon in response to a police invitation over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance. However, reports emerged Thursday that he had been detained by authorities—a move that triggered nationwide outrage.
Accusations of police brutality
The situation escalated when reports surfaced that police allegedly broke Sowore’s hand while attempting to forcibly transfer him from custody to court on Thursday. Amnesty International condemned the incident, stating that Sowore had been subjected to violence by officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja at about 6 a.m.
“As a result, he sustained a severe injury on his left hand and has since been taken to an unknown location,” the rights group wrote on Facebook.
“We are calling on Nigerian authorities to call the police to order and halt any further physical harm to Sowore. He must be immediately given adequate medical care. Attempting to drag Sowore to a judicial process without recourse to his lawyer is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”
Obi condemns detention
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also condemned Sowore’s detention, describing it as a clear abuse of power.
“From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment,” Obi wrote in a post on X Thursday night.
“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”
Protesters storm police headquarters
In response to the detention, protesters gathered outside the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday, demanding Sowore’s immediate release.
Dressed in black and waving the national flag, the demonstrators chanted anti-government songs and accused police of attempting to suppress dissent.
One protester alleged intimidation by an unnamed Assistant Commissioner of Police, who they claimed brought a dog to threaten them.
“We are exercising our fundamental constitutional rights. We did not block any road. An Assistant Commissioner of Police is here to intimidate us,” the protester said.
“We are here within the ambit of the law.”
Sowore’s arrest and alleged mistreatment have reignited concerns over the Nigerian government’s handling of dissent, freedom of expression, and human rights.
