The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the continued detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said on Friday that Sowore is being held for allegedly refusing to make a statement during police interrogation.
Shogunle addressed journalists and protesters in Abuja following widespread demonstrations across Lagos, Osun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory. Supporters of Sowore have been demanding his immediate release since his arrest on Wednesday.
Sowore, who recently led a protest in support of retired police officers and made critical remarks about a police promotion exercise, had honoured an invitation by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters. He was, however, detained after the meeting.
Speaking in a video streamed by Sahara Reporters, CP Shogunle disclosed that there were two petitions against Sowore.
“One of the petitions is about the alleged forgery of a police document, which he reportedly published online. Under the law, it is the duty of the person in question to explain how they came across such a document,” the CP stated.
“The second petition relates to cyberbullying. Both petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. However, he refused to make any statement, and this refusal is on record.”
He further explained that while Sowore has the right to remain silent, the police also have legal responsibilities when a suspect declines to speak.
“We didn’t force him to talk. He has that right. But we also have the duty to act according to law when someone decides not to respond to allegations,” Shogunle said.
When asked why Sowore was being held beyond the constitutionally allowed 24 hours, the CP insisted that due process was being followed.
“We are professionals. We are working strictly with the law. Everything we’re doing is within legal boundaries,” he said.
To prove that the activist was not being mistreated, the CP offered to allow a few of the protesters access to where Sowore was being detained.
“He walked into the Force Headquarters himself. The arrest order was issued after he declined to give a statement. The law is being followed in his apprehension and continued detention,” Shogunle added.
