The Nigeria Police Force has explained that detained human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is still in custody because he refused to make a formal statement during interrogation.
The explanation was given on Friday by the Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, while addressing protesters and journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Sowore, who contested under the African Action Congress (AAC) in past elections, was arrested following two separate petitions filed against him, one involving alleged forgery and the other related to cyberbullying.
According to CP Shogunle, the petitions were shown to Sowore in the presence of his legal team, but the activist refused to respond to the allegations in writing.
“One of the petitions borders on forgery of a police document, which he allegedly published online. The law requires him to explain the source of the document,” Shogunle said. “The second petition relates to cyberbullying.”
He added, “The procedure under Nigerian law is clear—when a petition is presented, the suspect is expected to make a statement. Sowore refused to do so, even with his lawyers present.”
The detention has sparked public outcry, with many calling for his immediate release, accusing the police of targeting a vocal government critic.
Sowore’s media outlet, Sahara Reporters, has been livestreaming developments, including footage of the police briefing and ongoing protests demanding justice.