Sowore’s Detention: A Timeline of Events and Reactions
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been detained by the Nigerian police after honoring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Monitoring Unit over a petition. Here’s what’s happening:
- Detention Background: Sowore was invited by the police over a viral video he recorded, highlighting alleged extortion by police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos. He arrived at the police headquarters with a travel bag, suggesting he was prepared for possible detention.
- Bail Conditions: The police set bail conditions, including producing a level 16 civil servant as a surety and surrendering his passport. Sowore rejected these conditions, describing them as “illegal” and citing a Court of Appeal ruling that declared such conditions unlawful.
- Alleged Assault: While in detention, Sowore claims police officers broke his arm during an attempt to transfer him to court without access to his lawyers. Amnesty International has condemned the alleged assault, demanding immediate medical attention for Sowore and accountability for the police officers involved.
- Reactions: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned Sowore’s detention, describing it as a “shameful abuse of power” and “personal vendetta” by the IGP. Atiku demanded Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, stating that his only offense was speaking out against injustice and bad governance.
- Protests: Sowore’s supporters have issued a two-hour ultimatum to the police to release him or face mass resistance. Rights groups have also condemned the action, urging the IGP to intervene and ensure accountability within Nigeria’s security forces.
The situation is ongoing, with concerns about police brutality and the rule of law in Nigeria.
