Police explain Sowore’s detention, allege refusal to make statement after petitions

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the detention of human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was a result of his alleged refusal to make a statement following interrogation over two petitions against him.

The explanation came from the Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, who addressed protesters and the press in Abuja on Friday.

Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters, had honored an invitation to the Force Headquarters on Wednesday and was subsequently detained, sparking protests by his supporters in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states.

Speaking in a video streamed by Sahara Reporters, CP Shogunle confirmed that there were two petitions against the activist.

“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence,” the CP said.

“One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying”.

ALSO READ : EFCC arrests 66 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun, Lagos

According to the police, the issue that led to the detention was Sowore’s alleged non-compliance with a procedural requirement. “The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers,” Shogunle stated.

He explained that while the law grants a suspect the right to remain silent, it also empowers the police to follow certain procedures.

“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk,” the CP said.

When pressed by a lawyer about the constitutionality of detaining Sowore beyond the 24-hour limit, Shogunle maintained that the police were acting professionally.

“We are professionals, we are following the provisions of the law.  Everything needed to be followed under the law in keeping somebody is being followed,” he said.

The CP also offered to take a few protesters to where Sowore was being held to demonstrate that he was not being brutalised.

The police official concluded by confirming the sequence of events.

“He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” Shogunle added.