Garba Mohammed
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned his arrest and continued detention by the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as unjustified and politically motivated.
Speaking from police custody on Friday, Sowore claimed he had sustained a broken hand during his arrest—contrary to the police’s assertion that he was in good condition.
“I’m not fine,” Sowore said, as officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) brought some journalists and protesters to see him at the facility in Abuja. “They brought the press just to create a false impression that I am fine. But the truth is that they have denied me access to proper medical treatment. My hand is broken.”
He demanded immediate release, an apology from the police, and access to medical care.
However, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, dismissed Sowore’s claims, insisting that he was not brutalized and that his detention was lawful. According to Shogunle, Sowore was being held for allegedly refusing to provide a formal statement.
Sowore was arrested on Wednesday after reportedly honoring an invitation by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. The police have since stated that he is under investigation for alleged forgery of a police document and cyberbullying.
His arrest has sparked protests across several states, with supporters demanding his immediate and unconditional release.