POLICE CLARIFY SOWORE’S ARREST, DENY TORTURE ALLEGATIONS
Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second
By: Sefiu Ajape
The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that activist Omoyele Sowore was tortured while in custody, stating that his arrest was based on “credible, corroborated allegations” of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences currently under investigation.
In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Sowore was taken into custody in compliance with constitutional safeguards and released on bail within the 48-hour window stipulated by Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution. He is expected to appear before a court soon.
The police dismissed social media reports suggesting that a viral image showing Sowore with a bandaged arm was evidence of brutality, noting that the bandage was among his personal belongings before his arrest.
The Inspector-General of Police, according to the statement, has ordered an internal investigation into how Sowore had access to it in detention, especially after he allegedly refused independent medical examinations offered on two separate occasions.
Adejobi stressed that Sowore’s detention is backed by a valid court remand order and that all procedures followed were lawful, transparent, and free from political influence.
He urged the public and media to avoid sensational reporting that could undermine ongoing investigations.
“The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture,” the statement read, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to human rights, due process, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Sowore in a tweet on his X official handle on Thursday claimed otherwise, saying: “This morning at 6 AM, a police team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police from the IGP Monitoring unit forcibly gained entry into Omoyele Sowore’s cell at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja claiming they were taking him to court, the team of nine officers, including eight heavily armed personnel, handled Sowore roughly when he asked to see the charges and notify his lawyers, breaking his arm in the process, before taking him to another police facility.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0