The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, will soon be arraigned on criminal charges.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Sowore’s arrest followed “credible and corroborated allegations” involving offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other criminal infractions currently under investigation.
The police stressed that the arrest was conducted in line with legal procedures and constitutional safeguards, adding that Sowore was granted bail within the 48-hour limit stipulated under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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Addressing viral images showing Sowore with a bandage on his arm, the NPF dismissed claims of torture as “false and grossly misleading,” stating that the bandage was part of his belongings before his arrest.
“Equally false is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody,” Adejobi said.
The Force also revealed that Sowore was twice offered medical examinations — on August 7 and 8 — by teams led by the Medical Director of Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer, but he allegedly declined both offers.
Adejobi further clarified that Sowore’s detention was backed by a valid remand order from a competent court and warned against what he described as “sensationalism” by some media outlets and civil society groups.
“No individual, regardless of status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law,” he added.
The police said more updates on the case will be provided as investigations progress.
