Police detain Sowore over alleged criminal defamation

Former presidential candidate and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, was detained on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after honouring an invitation from the Nigeria Police.

Sowore, who arrived at the facility around 12:13 p.m. with his lawyers, Barristers A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, was summoned by the IGP Monitoring Unit over petitions reportedly accusing him of criminal defamation and forgery. Sources indicate that the petitions include one submitted by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and another involving alleged document forgery.

Despite complying with the invitation, the Sahara Reporters publisher refused to write a statement, demanding to see the original version of the Nigeria Police memo allegedly forged in the petition.

An update posted on Sowore’s Facebook page Wednesday night alleged that the petitions were delivered by DCP Akin Fakorede, a controversial former SARS officer. Sowore had earlier described the invitation as “defective and riddled with legal errors,” rejecting it before eventually appearing.

Supporters who accompanied him to the police headquarters chanted anti-government slogans and called for the removal of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the police of political witch-hunting.

Rex Elanu of the “Take It Back Movement” claimed the action was a vendetta by the police boss, stating, “It is shameful that the IGP has resorted to vendetta against Sowore, who has consistently spoken truth to power.”

Sowore reportedly arrived with a travel bag containing essentials like clothes, books, toiletries, and soap, anticipating his detention.