The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, has revealed that human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is being held in police custody for refusing to make a statement during interrogation.
Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC), is currently in detention following petitions filed against him. His arrest has sparked widespread public outcry, with numerous voices demanding his immediate release.
Speaking to protesters and journalists in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle explained the legal basis for Sowore’s continued detention, stressing that the activist declined to respond to allegations made against him during questioning.
In a video streamed live by Sahara Reporters from the Force Headquarters, the police commissioner disclosed that two petitions were filed against Sowore.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. 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,” Shogunle stated.
He further noted that the activist’s legal counsel was present when the petitions were presented.
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record.
“And the procedure under the Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, you have a duty to put down your own position,” he added.
Sowore’s detention continues to draw concern from rights groups and civil society organizations demanding adherence to due process and respect for his constitutional rights.
