Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged assault on activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, during his recent detention by the Nigeria Police Force.
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In a statement on Thursday, Falana emphasized that while the police have the constitutional authority to arrest and arraign Sowore if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime, he remains entitled to humane treatment under the law.
“As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence,” Falana stated.
“However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by section 34 of the Constitution… He is entitled to humane treatment.”
Falana cited Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, in demanding a probe into the conduct of officers who allegedly subjected Sowore to torture while in custody.
“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of his current detention, we are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture,” he said.
The senior advocate further urged the immediate release of Sowore to enable him access urgent medical attention.
Also weighing in, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, condemned Sowore’s arrest and continued detention, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.”
In a post shared on Thursday, Obi said he was “deeply disturbed” by Sowore’s arrest, especially as it occurred shortly after the activist voluntarily honoured a police invitation.
“At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention,” Obi said.
He noted that no circumstances justified such “high-handed treatment” of a citizen who willingly submitted himself to law enforcement.
“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,” he added.
Quoting Plato, Obi remarked, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.”
He called for Sowore’s immediate release or formal arraignment, stressing that anything short would damage public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens, regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment,” Obi concluded.
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