The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly secured what is being described as a questionable court order to detain human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.
The order was allegedly obtained in connection with two controversial petitions submitted against him.
According to a statement published on Sowore’s official Facebook page, the petitions were presented to him by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akin Fakorede, a former operative of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), who has faced public criticism for his past conduct.
The post alleges that DCP Fakorede delivered the petitions on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, who was referred to in the statement as “illegal,” suggesting the activist’s continued challenge to the legitimacy of the current police leadership.
The first petition reportedly accuses Sowore of forgery, while the second was allegedly submitted by one Bukola Yemisi Kuti. The post further claims that Kuti, who has recently been promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was rewarded due to her alleged romantic involvement with a top police figure. Her petition reportedly centers on claims of “criminal defamation.”
IREPORT247NEWS had earlier reported that Sowore showed up at the Force Headquarters with basic personal items, including a travel bag and soap, suggesting he was prepared for detention.
This follows after Sowore was invited for interrogation by the Nigeria Police Force over a petition bordering on alleged forgery and criminal defamation.
According to a police letter dated August 5, 2025, Sowore was summoned to appear before the Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Prior to his visit, Sowore had written to the police requesting to be furnished with details of the petition and the identity of the petitioner. However, the unit responded by insisting that he appear in person, with assurances that the petition would be revealed during the questioning.
Critics have described the police action as a politically motivated attempt to silence Sowore, who remains a vocal critic of state institutions, especially the police. His arrest and detention have sparked renewed concern over freedom of expression and the misuse of state power in Nigeria.