Omoyele Sowore, Human Rights Advocate and SaharaReporters Publisher, Released from Police Custody Following Arrest Over Alleged Forgery and Incitement.
Prominent human rights advocate and founder of the investigative media outlet SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has regained his freedom after spending several days in detention under the custody of the Nigeria Police Force. His arrest had sparked widespread concern and criticism, particularly from civil rights groups and public figures who viewed it as politically motivated and a direct attack on free speech and dissent.
Sowore was detained following allegations related to the forgery of official documents and inciting public unrest. However, on Friday evening, he was released, a development he personally confirmed through a post on his official Facebook page. In his post, he declared that his release was the result of consistent pressure from what he referred to as the “revolutionary movement.”
“The Nigeria Police Force has bowed to the demands of the revolutionary forces,” Sowore stated in his Facebook message, which was posted at approximately 7:46 p.m. “I have finally been freed from an unjust, unlawful, and baseless detention. This is not something to celebrate, but I am grateful to everyone who stood firm and never gave up! #RevolutionNow.”
Omoyele Sowore announces his release
Shortly after his announcement, at around 7:52 p.m., Sowore went live on Facebook to show himself outside of police custody, confirming his release visually to his supporters and followers.
While in detention, Sowore accused officers under the supervision of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun of physically assaulting him. According to him, his right wrist was broken during an incident at the Force Headquarters in Abuja around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Appearing in a live video with a visibly bandaged hand, Sowore claimed that, instead of receiving urgent medical care, police officials attempted to manipulate public perception by bringing journalists and protesters to see him. “They broke my hand and refused to bring a doctor. They only provided a nurse,” he said. “Instead of addressing my health concerns, they brought the media here to make it seem like I was fine.”
He further criticized the motives behind his arrest, claiming there was no legal basis for detaining him. “There is absolutely no justification for my arrest. No Nigerian citizen should be held simply because the Inspector-General of Police feels personally threatened by lawful opposition,” he said in the same broadcast. He insisted that rather than conceal their misconduct, the police should admit wrongdoing, release him without conditions, issue a public apology, and allow him to seek appropriate medical attention.
When was Omoyele Sowore arrested
During the video, as Sowore was making his remarks, police officers were seen ordering journalists to exit the premises. His arrest had occurred earlier in the week, on Wednesday, after he voluntarily responded to an invitation by the IGP Monitoring Unit.
Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle, who oversees the Special Intervention Squad, responded to public outcry by denying any acts of brutality or misconduct. According to him, Sowore’s detention stemmed from two petitions: one accusing him of publishing a forged police document, and another alleging cyberbullying. He maintained that these complaints were presented in the presence of Sowore’s legal representatives and claimed the police followed due legal procedures when Sowore chose not to make a formal statement.
Meanwhile, human rights watchdog Amnesty International issued a sharp rebuke of the police’s handling of the case. The organization alleged that officers had physically assaulted Sowore while trying to force him into court proceedings and demanded his immediate release along with access to adequate medical care. Amnesty described the charges as politically motivated, asserting they were designed to silence a well-known government critic.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by its President Joe Ajaero, also condemned the incident as a serious infringement on Sowore’s constitutional rights. Ajaero warned that allowing such oppressive behavior to go unchecked could embolden further authoritarian tendencies within the state. “If there are legitimate legal concerns, then the courts are the proper place to address them—not unlawful detention and harassment,” Ajaero said, emphasizing that freedom of expression and association must be protected at all costs.
Omoyele Sowore Only offense
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar also spoke out, characterizing the actions of the police as “a shameful abuse of authority.” He implied that the arrest was less about upholding the law and more about settling personal scores. “Sowore’s only real offense is daring to speak against injustice and misrule. For that, he was assaulted, his arm broken, and exposed to harmful chemicals,” Atiku wrote on his Facebook page.
Adding to the controversy, Sowore’s legal counsel, Tope Temokun, suggested that the real reason behind the arrest was retaliation for his client’s vocal criticism of the police chief, particularly following a protest held on July 21 at the Force Headquarters. The protest was aimed at demanding better retirement benefits and improved welfare for ex-police officers.
Temokun also raised concerns over the integrity of the investigation, arguing that it was inappropriate for the police to act as both the complainant and investigator in the same case. He revealed that one of the complaints was filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, an alleged associate of the Inspector-General, who accused Sowore of defamation.
In summary, while Sowore has now regained his freedom, the incident has further ignited a national conversation about abuse of power, freedom of speech, and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria. Advocacy groups and citizens alike continue to demand accountability, justice, and institutional reform.
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