Abuja police detain activist Sowore
Activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore was detained by the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday after honoring an invitation.
Sowore arrived at the police headquarters around noon with a travel bag and was taken into custody shortly after. According to Premium Times, the police did not disclose any official complaint or show the petition against him.
Sahara Reporters previously reported that the initial police letter accused Sowore of “inciting disturbance.” A new letter was sent to his lawyer on Monday, replacing that accusation with allegations of forgery and criminal defamation.
READ ALSO: Sowore leads retired police officers in protest despite warnings
Civil Society Organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the arrest as “arbitrary and politically motivated” and called for his “immediate and unconditional release.”
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore who has been facing ongoing harassment and intimidation by the Nigeria Police. The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Sowore… pic.twitter.com/FX4yiwaU7L,” Amnesty International Nigeria tweeted.
Sowore has been arrested multiple times since 2019 for his activism. In November 2019, Amnesty International designated him a “Prisoner of Conscience” after his detention for organizing a peaceful protest.
In January, FIJ reported that police had requested his international passport and a Level 17 civil servant guarantor in exchange for his freedom.
READ ALSO: Sowore arraigned for calling Egbetokun ‘illegal IGP’
His lawyers are preparing to challenge the recent detention in court, and supporters from the Take It Back Movement are demanding his release.
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