The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, says human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is being detained for refusing to provide a statement to investigators.
Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019, was taken into custody following two petitions against him. His detention has sparked calls from supporters and rights groups for his immediate release.
Addressing protesters and journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle said Sowore’s arrest followed allegations of forging a police document — which he allegedly published online — and cyberbullying.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in my presence. One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and the law is clear on this. It is your duty to explain how you obtained the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying,” he said.
The CP added that Sowore refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers, despite being given the opportunity.
“When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, and you have a duty to put down your own position,” he stated.