Tension in Abuja as Police Surround Force HQ, Move to Detain Sowore Over “Forged” Petition

A wave of tension has erupted in Abuja as Nigerian police move to detain activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations of forgery and criminal defamation. According to legal representatives and eyewitnesses, Sowore voluntarily appeared at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, accompanied by his legal counsel and a contingent of supporters.

Upon his arrival at the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Sowore reportedly requested to see the original petition filed against him. He refused to make any formal statement without being shown the document, a stance that caused police investigators to delay proceedings.

Legal sources indicate that the police claim to have obtained a court order authorizing his detention, though the order had not been produced as of press time. The activist’s lawyers have raised concerns that the process may be an attempt to detain him unlawfully, particularly after reports emerged that armed personnel had surrounded the facility and may transfer him to an undisclosed location.

This development follows an earlier police invitation issued on August 4, referencing a legal provision—Section 53(2) of “ACJA 2025”—that Sowore’s legal team has called fictitious. He rejected that initial summons, labeling it invalid and demanding a legally compliant invitation and access to the petition before appearing.

A revised invitation was subsequently issued on August 5, adjusting the charges to criminal defamation while retaining the forgery claim. The new letter scheduled a meeting for August 6 and promised that a copy of the petition would be provided on-site.

Sowore acknowledged receipt of the updated letter and confirmed his attendance, urging fellow activists and allies to accompany him to the meeting. He framed the summons as part of a broader campaign to silence dissenting voices.

The case appears to be connected to Sowore’s recent participation in a protest by retired police officers and his public accusation that a police videographer stole his Ray-Ban smart glasses. As the standoff unfolds, dozens of his supporters continue to rally outside the FID building, vowing not to leave until he is either released or formally charged in court.

This latest confrontation adds to Sowore’s long history of clashes with Nigerian authorities over his activism and outspokenness.