Sowore detained by Nigeria Police after honouring invitation

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has rejected the bail conditions offered to him by the Nigeria Police Force, opting instead to remain in police custody.

Sowore was invited for questioning over a viral video he recorded, highlighting alleged extortion by police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

The police are investigating Sowore for various alleged offenses, including resisting and obstructing public officers.

Other charges against him include disobedience to lawful order, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servant, and cyberstalking.

However, Sowore has maintained that he has done nothing wrong and that the investigation is a ploy to silence him.

In a post on his Facebook account, Sowore stated that he rejected the bail condition, which required him to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary, and instead offered to remain in detention until the investigation is concluded.

He described the bail condition as a “joke” and expressed his willingness to face any consequences.

Sowore maintained that he is prepared to face any consequences and that his detention will not silence him.

He also thanked his supporters for their solidarity and encouraged them to continue speaking out against injustice

Sowore’s detention has sparked concerns about the Nigerian government’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

His supporters have called for his immediate release and an end to the harassment and intimidation of human rights activists in Nigeria.

The incident that led to Sowore’s detention began when he recorded a video of police officers allegedly extorting money from motorists on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

The video went viral, and Sowore was subsequently invited for questioning by the police.

Sowore’s statement describing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as ‘illegal IG’ is also said to have unsettled the Nigerian Police authorities.

The police authorities may be planning to take him to Lagos for a “kangaroo” trial.

Sowore has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and has been arrested several times in the past for his activism.

Who is Omoyele Sowore?

Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian politician, human rights activist, citizen reporter, writer, and lecturer.

Born on February 16, 1971, he’s been a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in Nigeria for over two decades.

As a student activist, Sowore protested against military rule in Nigeria during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He later turned to new media as a way to expose injustices in his country.

In 2006, he founded Sahara Reporters, a multimedia online platform that has published numerous breaking news stories and investigations, many of which have had significant impacts in Nigeria.

Sowore has also been involved in politics, running for president in the 2019 and 2023 Nigerian presidential elections.

However, his activism has sometimes led to run-ins with the authorities.

In 2019, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and charged with treason, money laundering, and cybercrime offenses after calling for nationwide protests as part of the #RevolutionNow movement.

Despite facing these challenges, Sowore remains a prominent voice in Nigerian politics and activism, advocating for human rights, democracy, and good governance.

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