BREAKING: Police Release Omoyele Sowore [PHOTOS/VIDEO]
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly released activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that this was made known on Friday night by Sowore via his verified social media handles.
The activist also addressed his supporters and well-wishers live via Facebook shortly after regaining his freedom.
He wrote: “Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt, I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow.”
Recall that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, had explained the circumstances surrounding the continued detention of the human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore.
Speaking on Friday, Shogunle stated that the activist was being held in connection with two separate petitions filed against him.
He said: “The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence.
“One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.”
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record,” the CP said.
He further explained the legal implications of Sowore’s refusal to provide a statement, noting that the law allows the police to proceed with investigative procedures under such circumstances.
“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk, which you’re also aware of,” he said.
“And I believe we’re professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed.”
