Police Officer Accused of harassment following Sowore's alleged arm injury during custody
In a controversial turn of events, political activist Omoyele Sowore was detained by the Nigeria Police Force on August 6, 2025, following an invitation by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. The detention was reportedly due to allegations of forgery and cyberbullying.
Sowore was held for over 48 hours but was released on the night of August 8. After his release, he described his detention as "illegal and unjust" and lambasted the police. His legal team accused the police of subjecting him to inhumane treatment while in custody, including an alleged physical assault resulting in a broken hand and transferring him to an undisclosed location without informing his lawyers.
The lawyer representing Sowore, Tope Temokun, released a statement on Thursday, warning that the recent treatment could be a premeditated effort to undermine Sowore's health or worse. Temokun also called for a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force for the alleged violation of Sowore's human rights and bodily safety.
Amnesty International has also called for the immediate release of Sowore without conditions. Peter Obi, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has demanded Sowore's immediate release, stating that he is not a criminal or a flight risk. Former presidential candidate Atiku has condemned Sowore's arrest and labeled the police action as a "shameful abuse of power."
Temokun alleges that the detention was a targeted attack reminiscent of Nigeria's darkest military days. He draws comparisons between Sowore's detention and the detentions of late political icons Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Chief MKO Abiola. The lawyer claims that noxious gas was released into Sowore's holding cell before the move to an underground cell by the Nigeria Police Force.
The police maintain that legal procedures were followed and deny brutality allegations, inviting protests to the detention site as evidence. However, Sowore and his team dispute the existence of an official court order for his detention. The current location of Sowore is unknown following his forceful transfer from custody.
The Society for the Advancement of Rule of Law (SERAP) has called for the dropping of all charges against Sowore and his immediate release. This reflects an ongoing dispute between Sowore’s legal and human rights advocates and the Nigerian Police concerning the legitimacy and conditions of his detention.
[1] Nigeria Police detains Omoyele Sowore over forgery, cyberbullying allegations
[2] Omoyele Sowore: I Was Tortured, Denied Access to Lawyers, Says Detained Activist
[3] Sowore's Lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, Says No Court Order for Activist's Detention
[4] Violation of Omoyele Sowore's Rights: PLAC Condemns Alleged Assault, Unlawful Detention
[5] Omoyele Sowore released from police custody
[1] Under allegations of forgery and cyberbullying, Nigeria Police Force detains political activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja on August 6, 2025.
[2] Following his detention, Omoyele Sowore claims he was subjected to inhumane treatment, including physical assault, illegal detention, and transfer to an unknown location against legal procedures.
[3] Sowore's lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, alleges that there was no official court order for Sowore's detention by the Nigeria Police Force.
[4] The Public Life Advocacy Centre (PLAC) condemns violent actions against Omoyele Sowore, calling for justice, respect for human rights, and the end of illegal and unjust detentions.
[5] After more than 48 hours in detention, Nigeria Police Force releases activist Omoyele Sowore on the night of August 8.
