Omoyele Sowore has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance
He was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon after honoring a police invitation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Sowore arrived with his legal team and a group of supporters.
His group, the Take-It-Back Movement, confirmed that he was later moved to a separate police facility within the Federal Capital Territory.
The arrest followed a letter sent to his lawyer, Tope Temokun, by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. The letter indicated that full details of the petition would be disclosed upon his arrival, with Sowore scheduled to be interviewed by DCP Akin Fakorede.
Sources revealed that the petition is related to alleged forgery and incitement, though no formal charges had been filed at the time of reporting.
Reacting to the detention, Abuja-based human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju described the move as an abuse of office. He accused Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun of targeting Sowore for his outspoken criticism.
“Egbetokun has ordered the detention of Sowore for criticizing his incompetence, favoritism, and other numerous infractions,” Adeyanju said. “The Police Act 2020 and Regulation 367 of the Nigeria Police Regulations forbid officers from using their positions to settle personal scores. President Tinubu must sack him now. Egbetokun must go!”
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, condemned the arrest and called it continued harassment and intimidation. He warned of an impending nationwide protest.
“The Nigerian people, students, workers, and our entire membership are hereby put on notice for a nationwide protest against the unlawful use of state institutions to suppress dissent,” he said.
Femi Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), also warned that the party would not hesitate to act if Sowore is not released.
“We will occupy police commands across the country until Sowore is released and justice is served,” he said.
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