Sowore was arrested on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. According to the police, the activist was being investigated over two petitions alleging forgery of police documents and cyber bullying.
However, his legal counsel, Tope Temokun, accused the police of subjecting him to inhumane treatment. Temokun alleged that Sowore was moved to an undisclosed location in the early hours of Thursday under circumstances that led to physical injury.
On Friday night, Sowore confirmed his release via a Facebook post, describing his detention as “illegal and unjust.”
“The Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up!”
Earlier that day, speaking to journalists from within the detention facility, Sowore questioned the legality of his arrest. He accused the police of misleading the public by portraying him as being “fine” in custody, despite having a broken hand.
“What should have been done is
to swallow their pride, release me from detention, apologise, and ensure I can go for proper treatment. Instead, they brought the media instead of a doctor,” he said.
Condemnation and Calls for Release
The detention sparked widespread condemnation from civil society, political leaders, and human rights groups.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) described the arrest as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, calling for Sowore’s unconditional release.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar branded the incident a “shameful abuse of power,” while Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi labelled it “a miscarriage of justice.”
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana condemned Sowore’s treatment, insisting that the police officers involved must be held accountable under Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act (2017).
“Every suspect in police custody is entitled to humane treatment. Those who subjected Mr. Sowore to torture should be investigated,” Falana stated.
Nationwide Protests
Protests demanding Sowore’s release were held in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, and Osun States. Addressing demonstrators, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, claimed Sowore’s detention was due to his alleged refusal to make a statement.
Despite his release, Sowore has called for justice and an investigation into his treatment, stating that the fight for accountability is far from over.
