Prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been surreptitiously moved from the custody of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja to an undisclosed location.
Sowore had honoured a police invitation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, and voluntarily appeared at the FID headquarters for interrogation over a petition reportedly involving allegations of forgery and criminal defamation.
His preparedness for possible detention was evident, as he arrived with basic personal effects, including a travel bag and toiletries, according to earlier reports by IREPORT247NEWS. Read here.
However, his visit took a dramatic turn when the police detained him on the same day, despite assurances that the petition against him would be disclosed during the questioning. Prior to his appearance, Sowore had formally requested the police to provide the full details of the petition, as well as the identity of the petitioner.
Rather than responding to his request with transparency, the police Monitoring Unit insisted he appear in person before any such details would be revealed.
The initial allegation listed against him—“inciting disturbance”—was later replaced with more serious charges of “forgery and criminal defamation,” raising concerns about the motives behind his detention.
On Thursday morning, August 7, 2025, reliable sources informed SaharaReporters that Sowore had been taken from the FID facility at approximately 6:00 a.m. by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) believed to be linked to the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
“His current whereabouts remain unknown,” the source disclosed. “The CSP arrived very early and forcefully removed him from the cell. During the process, Sowore’s hand was broken.”
According to the source, the situation became violent when the officer attempted to take Sowore out of the detention cell without allowing him to wear his clothes. Sowore reportedly resisted, insisting on being properly dressed before leaving the premises, which led to a physical altercation and the alleged injury.
Sowore has since accused the police of using excessive force, intimidation, and violating due process. The manner of his arrest and secret relocation has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups and legal practitioners, who have raised alarm over what they describe as a disturbing pattern of harassment and abuse of power by the authorities.
As of the time of this report, the police have not issued an official statement explaining Sowore’s current status or location.