Prominent politician and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, has been released by the Nigeria Police Force after nearly three days in detention.
He disclosed the development via his verified X account on Friday, stating: “Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt, I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up! #RevolutionNow.”
The detention began after Sowore honoured a police invitation in Abuja on Wednesday, August 6, over petitions filed against him.
Authorities allegedly assaulted Sowore, injuring him, and transferred him to an undisclosed location without notifying his legal team.
His prolonged detention prompted nationwide condemnation from civil society groups, including policy bodies and the Nigerian Labour Congress, who lambasted the arrest as a breach of due process and a violation of fundamental rights.
Commissioner of Police CP Abayomi Shogunle offered the police’s justification for Sowore’s detention, citing two petitions, one alleging forgery of a police document and another of cyberbullying, and blaming Sowore’s refusal to provide a statement for prolonging his detention.
