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Police launch manhunt for Omoyele Sowore following viral video exposing alleged police extortion

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The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a search for Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, following a widely circulated video he posted on social media.

The video, recorded during an altercation with police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos, has sparked controversy and drawn significant public attention.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating, “I have been informed that the Nigeria Police Force is searching for me. I am currently in Abuja and available at their convenience. It appears that the new year is about to start on a positive note!” His statement, posted on his social media accounts, has generated widespread reactions.

The video, which has garnered nearly 917,000 views on X (formerly Twitter) and over 2.9 million views on TikTok, shows police officers allegedly extorting money from motorists on the busy Lagos road.

In the footage, Sowore is seen confronting the officers, criticizing them for causing unnecessary traffic. Despite their insistence that he park his vehicle, Sowore stood his ground, demanding the officers clear the road.

READ ALSO: Sowore slams EFCC over silence on owner of forfeited Abuja estate

The confrontation ended with Sowore driving away after the officers reluctantly allowed him to pass. As he left, a police officer was heard saying, “God punish you,” to which Sowore retorted, “God punish you too.”

According to sources, the manhunt was launched by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi after several days of deliberation and persistent appeals to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

The police are reportedly pursuing Sowore for his role in exposing the alleged misconduct, which has put the force under public scrutiny.

This development comes as Sowore prepares to appear in court on February 4, 2025, for a cybercrime trial initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko. The trial stems from a petition filed by Nwoko’s legal team, accusing Sowore of criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and the publication of false news, contrary to sections 391 to 395 and section 418 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

The petition alleges that Sowore and the Sahara Reporters Foundation published defamatory content aimed at damaging Nwoko’s business and political career. The case, previously stalled due to procedural delays, has drawn attention to Sowore’s long-standing clashes with powerful figures in Nigeria.

This is not the first time Sowore has been embroiled in legal battles with the authorities. On May 2, 2024, he addressed Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing police actions against him as an insult.

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READ ALSO: Sowore demands Justice for assaulted couple, calls for Army General’s prosecution

The defamation and cyber-stalking suit filed by the FCT Commissioner of Police on behalf of Nwoko has been marked by delays, including the failure to serve a hearing notice to Sahara Reporters Media Group, a co-defendant in the case.

The viral video has ignited widespread debate online, with many Nigerians applauding Sowore for exposing alleged police misconduct. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential consequences of his actions, given the ongoing legal cases against him.

As Sowore remains in Abuja, he has reiterated his availability to the police at their convenience, signaling his willingness to face the latest allegations head-on. Whether this incident will lead to further legal complications or bolster Sowore’s reputation as an activist remains to be seen.

For now, the video continues to dominate discussions on social media, shedding light on issues of police accountability and the power of citizen journalism in Nigeria.

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