Atiku slams Police over Sowore’s arrest, alleges abuse of power, brutality

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the Nigeria Police Force over the arrest and continued detention of human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, describing the incident as a “shameful abuse of power.”

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and convener of the ‘Take It Back Movement’, was reportedly detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He had arrived at the facility in the company of his lawyers and supporters to respond to a petition filed against him.

Despite honouring the invitation peacefully, Sowore was allegedly taken into custody without bail and remained detained as of Wednesday night.

In a disturbing twist, the activist on Thursday alleged that he was brutalised in detention, claiming that officers broke his arm, sprayed him with chemical agents, and subjected him to other forms of physical abuse.

Atiku Reacts: “Unlawful and Unjustifiable”

Reacting to the development via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku expressed outrage over the police’s treatment of Sowore, stating that the action was both unlawful and undemocratic.

“The treatment of Omoyele Sowore by the IGP Monitoring Team is a shameful abuse of power. It is wrong, unlawful, and must be condemned by all who believe in justice,” Atiku wrote.

He further alleged that Sowore’s arrest and reported torture stemmed solely from his consistent activism against injustice, nepotism, and poor governance in Nigeria.

“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule. For that, he was reportedly attacked at dawn, beaten, had his arm broken, and sprayed with chemicals by policemen acting on petitions from the IGP’s own office,” he added.

Wider Outrage Over Police Actions

READ ALSO: Sowore alleges Police brutality, broken arm, secret transfer

Atiku’s statement has added to growing criticism of the police’s conduct, with civil society groups and rights advocates calling for Sowore’s immediate release and an independent investigation into the allegations of brutality.

The incident has once again spotlighted what many observers describe as the increasing intolerance for dissent and clampdown on free speech under the current security architecture.

While Sowore’s legal team is yet to make a formal statement, sources close to the activist say legal steps are underway to secure his release and hold the officers involved accountable.

Sowore, a prominent critic of government excesses and founder of Sahara Reporters, has been repeatedly arrested in the past over his activism.

He previously faced prosecution for treason after calling for nationwide protests under the “RevolutionNow” campaign in 2019, a case that drew international attention and condemnation.

His latest arrest raises fresh questions about freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the professional conduct of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations of torture or explaining the basis for Sowore’s continued detention.