…Sowore Demands Release and Apology
A press visit organized by the Nigeria Police Force to show that detained activist Omoyele Sowore was being “well treated” ended in chaos on Friday.
The Commissioner of Police leading the visit abruptly ordered journalists and activists out after Sowore used the opportunity to demand the removal of the “illegal” Inspector-General of Police from office.
Confrontation Over Detention Conditions
With a bandage on his hand, Sowore spoke in a defiant tone, blasting the Nigerian police and the Tinubu-led administration over what he termed a “shameful show.”
“I have been expecting this from the Nigerian police, and I am not surprised about this show of shame – all in a bid to paint an okay picture of what is going on. I was attacked by men of the Nigerian police, and they broke my hand. Instead of bringing a doctor, they went and brought a nurse.
“Now, instead of bringing a doctor, they went and brought the media. The police know what to do. They should release me and offer an apology over how they have treated me, but they are instead ashamed. I am disappointed in the President, Tinubu, that they have reduced the country to all this form of show of shame,” he told media personnel and police officers present.
Global Condemnation of Detention
Sowore’s detention has received global attention, with condemnations from various quarters accusing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of using his office for personal vendetta on Sowore over his activism against police mismanagement and abuse of office.
Protests are already being held across the country, with different groups such as the Ohanaeze Youth Council, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and others issuing ultimatums to the police to release Sowore.
Background of Detention
Sowore had accused the police of intimidation and abuse of power after being detained on Wednesday evening. He was reportedly moved from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja to an undisclosed location.
A source said Sowore’s hand was broken when he resisted being taken out of the cell without his clothes.
