Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged plans by the Nigeria Police Force to detain him over his critical stance on the extension of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure.
Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Headquarters at 9:58 a.m., following an invitation by the police after he uploaded a viral video alleging extortion by officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
The activist was summoned to address several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
In a post on his Facebook page, Sowore said the police relied on “rehashed information” sourced primarily from the internet to question him.
The activist revealed that he refused to provide a written statement during the session, arguing that the police failed to outline a specific crime.
Sowore said, “I have recently completed an engagement with a team from the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, which they referred to as an “interview”.
“The police relied on a rehashed set of information sourced mostly from the internet. When I asked them to identify the location of the alleged “crime” in Lagos, they provided a vague response, stating it was along the airport road.
“I chose not to provide a written statement, as we informed the Police team that, in the absence of a defined crime, the process to determine such was unnecessary. They took a break and later informed me that they were awaiting instructions from their superiors. It seems their plan is to detain me and take me to Lagos for a kangaroo trial.
“However, I am prepared to face any consequences. I made it clear to the team that the matter revolves around my publicly stated view that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who is due for retirement and clearly tired, had his tenure extended illegally. I maintain that we are entering a promising and our fight for justice will persist. #RevolutionNow”.
