Nigeria: Police Clash With Sowore Supporters During Interrogation in Abuja

28 January 2025

Abuja — Activists and supporters of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, clashed with police in Abuja, yesterday, during his interrogation at the Force Intelligence Department, FID.

Sowore was summoned over allegations of resisting public officers, cyberstalking and disobedience to lawful orders, which he claims were politically motivated due to his criticisms of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun's tenure extension.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, oversaw the interrogation and informed Sowore of a pending bail offer contingent on the investigations.

However, a source present during the proceedings reported that Sowore refused to provide a written statement, feeling the questions were designed to implicate him.

The source said: "They decided to take his statement and he (Sowore) said the questions they were beginning to ask him were like trying to make him complicate himself, so, he refused to write."

When threatened with court action for his non-compliance, Sowore inquired about the court's identity but received no answer.

"He then asked them, which court so we know, but they said they can't tell him," the source added.

The activist was accompanied to FID by his lawyers, Marshal Abubakar and Deji Adeyanju. Sowore also refused to accept any bail conditions he deemed compromising to his integrity.

The police summons was linked to a viral video he shared, which exposed alleged police extortion activities along Airport Road in Lagos. The video garnered significant public attention and was used by Sowore to highlight misconduct within the police force.

In response to Sowore's interrogation, supporters gathered outside the FID to protest what they viewed as an attempt to silence him. Police officers dispersed the crowd in an effort to quell the rising public outcry.

Sowore claimed that the police intended to detain him and transport him to Lagos for what he termed a 'kangaroo trial,' alleging that the charges were fabricated based on vague and unsubstantiated claims.

The Nigeria Police Force stated that the investigation was related to crimes allegedly committed in Lagos.

However, Sowore maintained his innocence, attributing the allegations to intimidation tactics due to his vocal criticism of the police hierarchy and his ongoing fight for accountability.

He stated, "After a press conference that prompted the DIG's comments, I engaged with the police at the FID. They relied on a rehashed set of information sourced mainly from the internet. When I asked for specifics regarding the alleged crime in Lagos, they responded vaguely, mentioning Airport Road. I chose not to provide a written statement, as there was no defined crime to address.

"They took a break and later indicated they were awaiting instructions from their superiors. It appears their plan was to detain me and transport me to Lagos for a kangaroo trial. I am prepared to face any consequences and reiterate that my stance is rooted in the belief that the Inspector-General, who should retire in 2024, had his tenure extended illegally. Our fight for justice will continue into this promising year."

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