Police Allegedly Injure Sowore’s Hand, Transfer Him to Unknown Location After Abuja Detention
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Police Allegedly Injure Sowore’s
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been moved from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja to an undisclosed location by the Nigeria Police Force, following his detention on Wednesday, August 7, 2025.
Sowore, who honored a police invitation, was detained over a controversial petition reportedly linked to allegations of forgery and criminal defamation. According to eyewitness sources, Sowore was forcefully removed from his cell around 6 a.m. on Thursday by a Chief Superintendent of Police allegedly working under Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi. The activist reportedly sustained an injury to his hand during the incident while insisting on being allowed to dress before leaving his cell.
Upon arriving at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday at approximately 12:16 p.m., Sowore came prepared with personal items including clothing, toiletries, and books, anticipating a possible detention. He was accompanied by his legal team—Barristers A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar—and dozens of supporters from the Take It Back Movement, chanting slogans against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Initially invited over a charge of “inciting public disturbance,” the police later reclassified the allegations as “forgery” and “criminal defamation.” Sowore described the invitation as legally flawed and politically motivated. He also disclosed via X (formerly Twitter) that two petitions had been filed against him, allegedly orchestrated by the “illegal office of the Inspector General.”
One petition was reportedly submitted by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, said to have links with the Inspector General, while the other was handled by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede—a controversial former SARS officer.
Following the incident, #FreeSowore, #EndPoliceBrutality, and #RevolutionNow began trending on social media, as Nigerians expressed outrage over what many see as state-sponsored oppression. Several activists and supporters issued a two-hour ultimatum for Sowore’s release, threatening peaceful resistance and mass mobilization if demands are ignored.
Critics argue that the police are using vague and politically driven charges to silence dissent, especially voices like Sowore who have consistently challenged government corruption and abuse of power.
The incident raises concerns over human rights violations in Nigeria and highlights the ongoing struggles of activists under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Supporters are calling for immediate transparency, legal action, and Sowore’s unconditional release.
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