Human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has condemned the detention of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Idam said the offences listed against Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force—namely forgery, defamation, and cyberbullyingar e bailable and do not justify detention before trial.
He criticised the police for detaining Sowore despite the fact that he voluntarily honoured their invitation.
“The act of detaining and humiliating him, as stated by his lawyers, despite voluntarily availing himself to the police, is an abuse of power,” Idam said.
He pointed out that the Inspector-General of Police, who is reportedly the subject of Sowore’s alleged actions, should not be seen as using his office for personal interest.
“The IGP should not act as a judge in his own case. If there’s any substance to the claims against Sowore, the police should have charged him immediately upon his arrival,” Idam added.
He further urged the police to stop the practice of using questionable court orders to detain citizens before trial, calling it a violation of the presumption of innocence.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has faced multiple legal battles over his activism. His arrest has sparked fresh criticism from rights groups and legal experts concerned about abuse of power and suppression of dissent.
