Protesters on Thursday stormed the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, demanding the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore
Dressed in black and waving the Nigerian flag, the protesters sang anti-government songs while insisting they were exercising their constitutional rights. They dismissed claims of blocking roads and accused an unnamed Assistant Commissioner of Police of intimidation.
“We did not block any road. An Assistant Commissioner of Police came here with a dog to attack us. We are within the ambit of the law, and let it be on record,” one protester told journalists.
The demonstration in Lagos began around 10 a.m., with protesters vowing to return daily until Sowore regains his freedom. No senior police official addressed them.
Sowore had honoured a police invitation on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance. However, he was reportedly detained and has yet to be released, sparking widespread condemnation.
The situation escalated after reports that police officers allegedly broke Sowore’s hand during an attempt to forcibly move him from detention to court early Thursday morning. Amnesty International alleged that the activist was subjected to violence by officers at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja around 6 a.m. and taken to an unknown location.
“Omoyele Sowore sustained a severe injury on his left hand and must be given immediate medical care. Attempting to drag him to court without his lawyer is a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Amnesty wrote on Facebook, describing the charges as “bogus and politically motivated.”
The group demanded Sowore’s unconditional release and urged authorities to “listen to critics instead of trying to silence them through abuse of power.”
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