Alleged forgery: Sowore detained by police as supporters threaten protests

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and a renowned human rights activist, has been detained by the Nigerian Police over allegations bordering on forgery and incitement.

Platinumpost reports that Sowore was invited to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit.

The activist, who also leads the RevolutionNow and Take-It-Back movements, honoured the invitation and arrived at the facility accompanied by some of his supporters.

After undergoing interrogation by senior police officers, Sowore was reportedly detained at one of the police facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His organisation later confirmed his detention in a statement, although the details of the allegations are yet to be fully disclosed.

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The police have yet to disclose full details of the allegations, citing an ongoing investigation.

A letter dated Tuesday and addressed to Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, indicated that the police were acting on a petition accusing the activist of “forgery and inciting disturbance.”

The letter also noted that further details would be provided during the interview with Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akin Fakorede, who heads the IGP Monitoring Unit.

Reacting to the development, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and activist, condemned Sowore’s detention, describing it as a misuse of police powers.

He accused the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, of persecuting Sowore for his vocal criticism of police leadership, alleging personal vendetta.

“Egbetokun has ordered the detention of Sowore for criticizing his incompetence, favoritism, and other infractions,” Adeyanju claimed.

“The Police Act 2020 and Regulation 367 of the Nigeria Police Regulations forbid officers from using their offices for personal vengeance. President Tinubu must sack Egbetokun immediately.”

Meanwhile, members of the Take-It-Back Movement have vowed to launch nationwide protests if their convener is not released unconditionally.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the group decried what they described as the continued “harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention” of Sowore.

“Accordingly, the Nigerian people, students, workers, and the entire membership are hereby put on notice for a nationwide protest against the continued harassment of Sowore,” Sanyaolu said.

The African Action Congress (AAC), Sowore’s political party, echoed the same stance, calling the detention a direct attack on civil liberties.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, warned that Nigerians would be mobilized to occupy police commands across the country if Sowore is not freed.

“We will not hesitate to take to the streets. We will occupy police commands nationwide until Sowore is released and justice prevails,” Adeyeye said.

As of Wednesday night, Sowore remained in police custody, with his legal team demanding immediate access and his supporters amplifying calls for his release.