Police Defend Sowore’s Arrest, Deny Torture Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended the arrest of Publisher and Activist Mr. Omoyele Sowore, saying it acted lawfully on credible allegations of criminal offences, including forgery and cyberstalking.

The Force maintained that it followed due process and constitutional safeguards and respected the suspect’s rights during the operation.

Sowore, however, accused the police of detaining and assaulting him after he honoured an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

He alleged that a team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) forcibly entered his detention cell and moved him to an undisclosed location.

Sowore was released on Friday, August 8, 2025, while his claims against the police remained unrefuted.

Addressing the reasons behind his arrest late Friday, Force Spokesperson DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the Force was compelled to correct the recent wave of disinformation being peddled in connection with the lawful arrest and detention of Sowore.

Adejobi alleged that Sowore was a figure known for “manipulating public narratives and weaponising propaganda” to malign state institutions and their leadership, particularly the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

He said, “Contrary to the falsehoods being circulated, Sowore was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.

“To be clear, Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window, by the provisions of Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him and has been duly informed of the charges. He is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to the accusations in a lawful and transparent judicial process.”

Adejobi stressed that the arrest complied with legal provisions and constitutional requirements.

He said Sowore was released on bail within the stipulated 48-hour period, as provided in Section 35(4) of the Constitution.

Refuting allegations that the police assaulted Sowore and broke his arm, Adejobi said the Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in line with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.

He explained that the bandage seen on Sowore’s right arm was part of the activist’s personal belongings when he honoured the police invitation.

According to Adejobi, Sowore refused a medical examination conducted by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

“Equally false and grossly misleading is the narrative suggesting that Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody.

“The viral image of Mr. Sowore with a bandaged arm has been mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage.

“For the record, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—before his arrest and detention.

“In any case, upon receiving the report that Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police promptly ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly in light of his consistent refusal to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police.

“The Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on 7th August 2025. Mr. Sowore declined the evaluation.

“A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on 8th August 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect. These refusals are officially documented.

“While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected.”

Adejobi added that Sowore’s detention was based on a valid court remand order, not on arbitrary grounds.

“Every action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been underpinned by legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones.”

The NPF urged the media, civil society organisations, and the public to apply greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in reporting sensitive issues.

“Sensationalism, particularly when driven by those with personal vendettas against the Police leadership, poses a clear risk to public trust and the integrity of ongoing investigations” Adejobi concluded.

Police Defend Sowore’s Arrest, Deny Torture Allegations is first published on The Whistler Newspaper