Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr Omoyele Sowore, was on Wednesday detained by police operatives in Abuja over allegations of incitement and forgery.
Sowore, who arrived at the Force Headquarters in company of his supporters, had honoured an invitation issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit. The police had previously informed his lawyer, Mr Tope Temokun, that full details of the allegations would be disclosed during the interview.
Sources confirmed that Sowore was detained after being questioned by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit.
His arrest has drawn backlash from civil rights activists and his political allies. Mr Deji Adeyanju, an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, accused the police boss of misusing state power and called for the sack of IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“He ordered the detention of Sowore for criticising his incompetence and favouritism… President Tinubu must sack him now. Egbetokun must go!” Adeyanju said in a statement.
In a swift reaction, the Take-it-Back Movement and the AAC vowed to mobilise for a nationwide protest. The groups said the arrest represents a dangerous pattern of intimidation and harassment of activists.
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National Coordinator of the Take-it-Back Movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, warned of mass action across the country, stating: “The Nigerian people, students, workers and the public are hereby put on notice for a nationwide protest.”
AAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Femi Adeyeye, echoed the warning, saying the party would occupy police commands nationwide if Sowore is not released immediately.
The police have not officially disclosed the full content of the petition against Sowore, and no formal charges had been announced at press time.
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