Why Sowore is being detained — Police

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has explained the continued detention of rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was detained after appearing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday in response to an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit.

The publisher of Sahara Repoters allegedly refused to provide a statement during police questioning about two petitions filed against him.

He was accused of publishing a forged police document online, while second petition involves allegations of cyberbullying.

CP Shogunle while addressing newsmen stressed that suspects should respond to allegations under Nigerian law.

The police commissioner revealed that two petitions had been filed against Sowore.

“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. 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.

“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.

“And the procedure under the Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, you have a duty to put down your own position,” he said.

“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, which you’re also aware of. And I believe we’re professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed”, he said.

He clarified that Sowore’s silence during interrogation did not lead to any form of coercion.

“He has the right to remain silent and the police also have the duties and responsibilities under the law to follow certain procedures once a suspect decides to keep mute. We won’t say because you have decided to keep mute, you can go, no.”

Responding to a lawyer’s inquiry about the legality of detaining Sowore beyond the constitutionally permitted 24 hours, the CP maintained that due process was being followed.

“We are professionals, we are following the provisions of the law. Everything needed to be followed under the law in keeping somebody is being followed,” he said.

Shogunle also offered to allow a few of the protesters to see Sowore in detention, emphasizing that the activist was not being mistreated.

“The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” he added.

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