Renowned human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore has accused the Nigeria Police Force of planning to silence him through detention, following his public condemnation of the controversial extension of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure, which he described as illegal.
The activist reported to the Force Intelligence Headquarters in Abuja at 9:58 a.m. after being summoned over a viral video in which he exposed alleged police extortion at a Lagos checkpoint.
During the session, Sowore faced allegations including obstructing public officials, cyberstalking, resisting arrest, and disobedience to lawful orders.
Taking to Facebook, Sowore disclosed that the police relied on what he called outdated and unverified information sourced largely from online platforms. He stated that he refused to provide a written statement, arguing that no concrete evidence or clearly defined offense was presented.
“I recently attended what the police called an ‘interview’ at their Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja. The information they relied on consisted of recycled internet claims. When I asked for the exact location of the alleged crime in Lagos, they vaguely referred to the airport road,” Sowore wrote.
“Given the lack of clarity and the absence of any credible allegation, I declined to write a statement. Later, they told me they were awaiting instructions from their superiors, suggesting a possible plan to detain me and transfer me to Lagos for what seems to be a predetermined trial,” he added.
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Sowore asserted that his critical stance on the IGP’s tenure was the real reason behind the police action. “This entire issue revolves around my consistent public position that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whose tenure has already run its course, should not have had his time in office illegally extended. Despite the intimidation, I remain resolute in the fight for justice and a better Nigeria. #RevolutionNow,” he concluded.
