TURBULENT TIMES FOR SOWORE: Activist Claims Police Planning His Arrest

TURBULENT TIMES FOR SOWORE: Activist Claims Police Planning His Arrest

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has claimed that the Nigeria Police Force is plotting to detain him due to his outspoken criticism regarding the extension of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s term. Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Headquarters at 9:58 a.m. after receiving an invitation from the police, prompted by a viral video he posted that accused officers of extorting money at a checkpoint in Lagos.

During this meeting, Sowore faced multiple allegations, including resisting public officers, obstructing lawful activities, cyberstalking, and other acts alleged to hinder arrests.

In a post on his Facebook account, Sowore stated that the police relied on “rehashed information” primarily sourced from online content for their inquiries.

Upon his arrival at the Force Intelligence Headquarters in Abuja, Sowore declined to provide a written statement, contending that the police had not specified a legitimate crime.

Sowore commented, “I have just concluded what the Nigeria Police Force described as an ‘interview’ at their Force Intelligence Department in Abuja. They leaned on a set of recycled information sourced largely from the internet. When I inquired about the location of the supposed ‘crime’ in Lagos, their response was vague, merely citing an area along the airport road.

“I opted not to produce a written statement, as we informed the police team that without a clear definition of a crime, such a process was unwarranted. They took a recess and later indicated they were waiting for directions from their superiors. It appears they intend to detain me and transport me to Lagos for a show trial.”

Sowore asserted his readiness to confront any repercussions, emphasizing his firmly held belief that the extension of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure, despite his imminent retirement and apparent fatigue, was unlawful. He declared, “We are on the brink of a hopeful future, and our struggle for justice will not waver. #RevolutionNow.”