Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is at the centre of growing public concern after police reportedly moved him to an undisclosed location, following an alleged assault while in custody.
Reports indicate that officers from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) transferred him around 6 a.m. on Thursday, just hours after he spent the night at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Sowore had been detained the previous day after honouring a police invitation, arriving with his lawyers and a travel bag, seemingly prepared for possible detention.
Accounts differ on the events that led to his relocation. One version alleges that his hand was broken during a physical altercation when he refused to leave without properly dressing.
Civil society organisations have condemned the incident as an escalation in the suppression of dissent. Groups such as the Take It Back Movement issued a two-hour ultimatum for his release, warning of mass protests if demands were ignored.
While in custody, Sowore was reportedly shown two petitions—one accusing him of forgery, the other, filed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Bukola Yemisi Kuti, alleging criminal defamation. He claimed the petitions were presented by DCP Akin Fakorede, a former SARS officer with a controversial record, and dismissed the police invitation as legally defective. Sowore also alleged that the petitioners had close connections to senior officers, casting doubt on the neutrality of the investigation.
Legal analysts have questioned the legitimacy of the accusations, pointing out that “inciting disturbance,” one of the initial charges, is not recognised under Nigerian law.
In a statement on August 7, human rights lawyer Tope Temokun condemned the development as “state terrorism” and “a disguised murder plot.” He alleged that Sowore’s arm was dislocated during a forced transfer and that harmful substances were released into his cell before he was moved to what is believed to be an underground facility.
“This is not law enforcement; this is state terrorism,” Temokun said, comparing Sowore’s treatment to the experiences of the late activists Gani Fawehinmi and MKO Abiola. He demanded Sowore’s immediate release, a public apology from the authorities, and warned that the police would be held accountable for any harm done to him.
