The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations of brutality and torture against human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, asserting that his recent arrest was lawful and based on credible evidence of forgery and cyberstalking.
According to a statement released on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Sowore’s arrest resulted from corroborated intelligence and was executed in accordance with constitutional safeguards and legal procedures.
The police claim that Sowore’s bail was granted within the constitutional 48-hour timeframe, as mandated by Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and that he is fully aware of the charges leveled against him. His appearance before a competent court in the coming days.
The Force categorically denies allegations of torture as ‘false and misleading,’ underscoring its strict adherence to the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.
The police have addressed a widely circulated photograph showing Sowore with a bandaged arm, stating that the bandage was already in his possession before his arrest.
An internal probe has been ordered by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to determine how he accessed it while in custody, particularly after refusing medical examinations by independent police medical teams.
The Force emphasized that Sowore’s detention is supported by a valid court remand order and is not driven by political motives.
It advised the media and civil society to refrain from sensationalism and verify facts before publishing, cautioning that misinformation erodes public trust and compromises the integrity of investigations.
The statement reiterated the police’s pledge to human rights, the rule of law, and impartial justice, “No individual, regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law,”
