The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has explained the reasons behind the detention of human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
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Speaking to journalists and protesters in Abuja on Friday, the Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said Sowore was being held after he refused to make a statement during interrogation at the Force Headquarters.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence,” Shogunle disclosed in a video streamed by Sahara Reporters. “One bordered on the forgery of a police document, which he published online… The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.”
According to the CP, Sowore’s lawyers were present when the petitions were presented, but the activist declined to give a statement in response to the allegations.
“The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record,” he said.
Sowore was invited to the police headquarters on Wednesday by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit. However, following his refusal to respond to the allegations during questioning, the police ordered his arrest and continued detention.
Shogunle stressed that the Force was acting within the confines of Nigerian law, stating, “The procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, and you have a duty to state your position.”
He added, “The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility to carry out certain duties when someone alleged to have committed an offence decides not to speak.”
Amid mounting public criticism and ongoing protests in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states demanding Sowore’s release, the CP insisted that the police had not violated any legal provisions.
“We are professionals. We are following the provisions of the law. Everything required under the law for detaining someone is being followed,” he said in response to questions about holding Sowore beyond the constitutionally allowed 24 hours.
He further clarified that Sowore was not coerced during his detention.
“He has the right to remain silent, and the police also have duties and responsibilities under the law to follow certain procedures once a suspect decides to remain silent. We won’t say, ‘Because you’ve decided to keep mute, you can go.’ No,” Shogunle said.
To allay fears of mistreatment, the CP offered to allow a few protesters to visit the activist and verify that he had not been brutalised.
“The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came voluntarily, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” he explained further.
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