LIVE UPDATES
The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has clarified the reasons behind the detention of human rights activist and 2023 presidential hopeful for the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force.
During a press briefing with protesters in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle stated that Sowore's arrest was initiated after he reportedly refused to provide a statement during police questioning.
Supporters of Sowore have organized protests across various regions, including Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states, demanding the release of the pro-democracy advocate, who had earlier appeared at the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit’s invitation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, only to be detained afterward.
Sowore had recently led a demonstration advocating for improved welfare for retired police officers and had criticized a recent promotion process in the Nigeria Police Force.
In a video interview streamed by Sahara Reporters, Shogunle mentioned that there are two petitions filed against Sowore.
"The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were presented to him in my presence. One pertains to the alleged forgery of a police document he shared online, and the law is clear—it's his responsibility to provide evidence of how he obtained the purportedly forged document. The second petition relates to charges of cyberbullying.
“These petitions were disclosed to him while his lawyers were present. The matter now is that he declined to make a statement in the presence of his legal representatives, and this is on record. Under Nigerian law, the process is straightforward. When someone is accused, they are invited to present their side," the CP elaborated.
"The same law that grants him the right to remain silent also places obligations on the police to follow defined procedures when an accused individual opts not to respond, which is something you are aware of. I trust we are professionals and that we are adhering to the legal process," he continued. He noted that Sowore was not coerced into making a statement despite his alleged refusal.
"He holds the right to remain silent, and the police also bear responsibilities and obligations under law to follow specific protocols when a suspect chooses to remain silent. We cannot simply release someone because they have chosen not to speak," he affirmed.
When a lawyer inquired about the justification for Sowore's detention exceeding the constitutional limit of 24 hours, the CP responded, "We are professionals and are complying with legal provisions. All necessary procedures for detaining someone under the law are being adhered to."
He also suggested that he would take a few protesters to see Sowore's detention location to confirm that he was not being mistreated.
"The law is being upheld in regard to his detention. He came voluntarily, and when he refused to provide a statement, the order for his arrest was given," Shogunle concluded.
