Human rights activist and RevolutionNow leader, Omoyele Sowore, has once again positioned himself at the center of a political storm. After voluntarily honoring a police invitation over a viral video exposing alleged extortion by officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos, Sowore rejected the bail conditions imposed on him, describing the situation as a “joke.”
“I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary,” Sowore declared in a post on his X account on Monday. “Instead, I have offered to remain in police custody pending when the joke is over with.”
Bail Drama and Defiance
Sowore’s remarks followed a notification by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, who reportedly instructed his personnel to grant the activist bail. According to Sowore, the bail terms required the presence of a senior civil servant, an expectation he found unreasonable and compromising.
“I will not agree to conditions that compromise my innocence, dignity, and integrity,” Sowore insisted. “If such unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court.”
The police have launched an investigation citing multiple allegations against Sowore, including “resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful order, acts intended to cause grievous harm, and cyberstalking.”
The Viral Video That Sparked Controversy
The controversy began when Sowore posted a video showing police officers allegedly extorting motorists on Lagos’s airport road. In the video, Sowore confronted the officers for setting up roadblocks with the intent to solicit bribes. This action, coupled with his subsequent description of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as an “illegal IG,” reportedly unsettled police authorities.
Interrogation and Alleged Kangaroo Trial
Sowore revealed details of his engagement with police personnel at the FID, describing it as an “interview.” He claimed the officers relied on outdated information sourced from the internet and were unable to clearly identify the location of the alleged “crime.”
“When I asked them to identify the location of the alleged ‘crime’ in Lagos, they provided a vague response, stating it was along the airport road,” Sowore wrote.
He further stated that he declined to provide a written statement, asserting that the police had no clear grounds for their investigation. According to Sowore, the authorities are now considering taking him to Lagos for what he termed a “kangaroo trial.”
“They took a break and later informed me that they were awaiting instructions from their superiors,” he said. “It seems their plan is to detain me and take me to Lagos for a kangaroo trial.”
A Clash of Principles
For Sowore, the matter extends beyond the specific allegations against him. He sees it as a battle for justice and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement system. His public criticism of the Inspector General of Police, whom he accuses of overstaying his tenure illegally, underscores his defiance.
“I made it clear to the team that the matter revolves around my publicly stated view that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who is due for retirement, had his tenure extended illegally,” he said.
Sowore’s statements reflect his broader campaign for institutional reforms in Nigeria. As a long-time activist and former presidential candidate, he has consistently challenged what he perceives as corruption and impunity in government institutions.
Public Reaction and Background
Sowore’s decision to remain in custody has drawn both admiration and criticism. Supporters praise his unwavering commitment to justice, while detractors accuse him of grandstanding. The case also highlights ongoing issues within Nigeria’s police force, including allegations of misconduct and extortion.
The activist’s #RevolutionNow campaign has previously put him at odds with the authorities. In 2019, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for organizing protests against the government, sparking international condemnation over his detention.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, Sowore remains resolute, emphasizing his readiness to face any consequences.
“I maintain that we are entering a promising year, and our fight for justice will persist,” he declared.
The police have yet to issue a formal statement addressing Sowore’s specific claims or the allegations of extortion in the viral video. For now, the activist’s choice to remain in detention keeps the spotlight on what he calls the “impunity” of the Nigerian police system.
Whether this episode will lead to meaningful reforms or further deepen the divide between activists and authorities remains to be seen. Sowore, however, appears determined to continue his fight for a more just Nigeria.
