The Nigerian Police has released the
human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, who was detained for refusing to respond to questions during interrogation.
As gathered, Sowore was released following persistent request from Civil Society Organisations and politicians including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, describing the detention ad illegal.
Confirming his release on Friday, Sowore described his detention as unjust and unwarranted considering that he complied with the law enforcement agency’s directives.
He said: “Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement, I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up”.
Before his release, he had accused the police of inflicting injuries on him during interrogation, saying i was injured on my wrist and the police didn’t indicate what my crime were specifically.
Responding, the police disclosed that Sowore was apprehended based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.
It added: “The arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.
“To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window, in accordance with the provisions of Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him and has been duly informed of the charges”.
In a statement released minutes after his release on Friday by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police dismissed claims that the former presidential candidate was tortured while in detention, saying this is untrue and should be disregarded.
According to the police, “Equally false and grossly misleading is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody. The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in alignment with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and in fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments.
“The viral image of Mr. Sowore with a bandaged arm has been mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage. For the record, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention. In any case, upon receiving the report that Mr. Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police promptly ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly in light of his consistent refusal to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police. This proactive step underscores the IGP’s unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to established custodial protocols.
“In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on 7th August 2025. Mr. Sowore declined the evaluation. A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on 8th August 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect.
“These refusals are officially documented. While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected.
“Furthermore, his continued detention is not arbitrary; it is anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court of jurisdiction. Every action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been underpinned by legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones.
“The Force urges the media, civil society actors, and the public to exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in their reporting. Sensationalism, particularly when driven by those with personal vendettas against the Police leadership, poses a clear risk to public trust and the integrity of ongoing investigations”.
