The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that human rights activist and the former Presidential Candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) Party, Omoyele Sowore was turtured in its custody.
This is coming when the police also said his detention was overcriminal charges.
A statement by the Force Spokesperson,Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP),Muyiwa Adejobi on Friday, August 8,2025, accused Sowore of manipulating public narratives and weaponizing propaganda to malign state institutions and their leadership, particularly the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
He wrote: ”we are compelled to address and decisively correct the recent wave of disinformation being peddled in connection with the lawful arrest and detention of Mr. Omoyele Sowore—a figure known for manipulating public narratives and weaponizing propaganda to malign state institutions and their leadership, particularly the office of the Inspector-General of Police”.
He also said that contrary to Sowore’s claims,he was arrested for criminal offences based on verifiable and corroborated allegations such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under investigation.
The spokesman said the activist’s arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.
”To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window, in accordance with the provisions of Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him and has been duly informed of the charges. He is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to the accusations in a lawful and transparent judicial process”,he added.
“It is also false and grossly misleading,the claims by the activist that he was turtured in Police detention.The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in alignment with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and in fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments”,he said.
He said the viral image of Sowore in a bandaged arm was mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage.
“For the records, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention. In any case, upon receiving the report that Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police promptly ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly in light of his consistent refusal to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police.
“This proactive step underscores the IGP’s unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to established custodial protocols.
”In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on August 7, 2025.However,the activist declined the evaluation. A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on August 8, 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect.
“These refusals are officially documented. While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected”,he stated.
The spokesman explained that Sowore’s continued detention before his release on Friday, August 8,2025, was not arbitrary as it was anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court of jurisdiction. ‘
“Every action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been underpinned by legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones,” the statement stressed.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice without fear or favour as no individual—regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach,was above the law.
