Why We’re Holding Sowore – Police Give Reasons for Detention

The Nigeria Police Force has defended the continued detention of activist Omoyele Sowore, saying all actions taken are in line with legal procedures.

CP Abayomi Shogunle told protesters in Abuja that due process is being followed, even as demonstrations spread across several states calling for Sowore’s release.

The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has defended the continued detention of human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, saying the order was given after he allegedly refused to make a statement during police interrogation.

Addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle said Sowore was shown “two petitions” in the presence of his lawyers—one alleging “forgery of a police document” he published online, and the other accusing him of “cyberbullying.”

“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence… The second petition has to do with cyberbullying… The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record,” Shogunle said in a video streamed by Sahara Reporters.

The activist, known for his pro-democracy campaigns, was detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja. His arrest has sparked protests in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states, with supporters demanding his immediate release.

Shogunle maintained that “the same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility” to follow certain procedures once a suspect refuses to speak.

DON’T MISS: KWAM 1 Allegedly Defies Airport Rules, Pours Alcohol on Crew During Boarding Row

“We won’t say because you have decided to keep mute, you can go, no,” he stressed, adding that Sowore was not forced to speak and that the police were “following the provisions of the law” in keeping him beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit.

He offered to take some protesters to see Sowore’s condition, assuring them he was not being brutalised.

“The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” Shogunle concluded.