“We Detained Sowore Because He Refused To Talk” – Nigerian Police Statement Sparks Controversy

The Nigerian Police have stated that they detained Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, because he refused to speak to officers during interrogation.

According to iReporter Online, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who leads the Special Intervention Squad, explained that Sowore’s arrest came after he declined to respond to questions despite being confronted with two petitions against him.

These petitions accused Sowore of forging a police document allegedly published online and engaging in cyberbullying.

According to iReporter Online, Shogunle emphasized that Sowore was shown the petitions in the presence of his lawyers and was not coerced to speak, but he chose to remain silent, which led to his lawful detention.

The police insisted that they were following all legal procedures, and when questioned about holding Sowore beyond the constitutionally mandated 24 hours, Shogunle reiterated that the detention was fully compliant with the law.

Sowore later announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had been released from what he called “unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention,” thanking supporters for their unity and persistence.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”