Sowore Detention: Police Cite Legal Reasons

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The Nigeria Police Force, through the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has publicly addressed the reasons behind the detention of Omoyele Sowore, a well-known human rights activist and the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress.

Omoyele Sowore



Speaking to journalists and protesters gathered in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday, CP Shogunle explained that Sowore’s arrest resulted from his refusal to provide a statement during police questioning. The Commissioner emphasized that this refusal led to the lawful ordering of his detention.



In a video released by Sahara Reporters, CP Shogunle disclosed that there were two formal complaints filed against Sowore. The first related to the alleged forgery of a police document, which Sowore had reportedly made public online. The second complaint involved allegations of cyberbullying.

CP Abayomi Shogunle



The Commissioner highlighted that both complaints were presented to Sowore in his presence and that of his legal counsel. “The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in my presence. The first is about a forged police document he published online, and the law requires that he provide the source of such documents. The second concerns cyberbullying,” he stated.



Despite having the opportunity to respond, Sowore opted to exercise his constitutional right to remain silent, even while his lawyers were present. CP Shogunle noted that this refusal was properly documented. He stressed that Nigerian law obliges anyone accused of an offense to state their position.



“The law indeed gives him the right to remain silent, but it also empowers the police to take appropriate action when a suspect declines to speak. We are following all legal procedures professionally,” the Commissioner explained.



He added that choosing silence does not guarantee release. “He has the right to remain silent, but the police must also fulfill their duties under the law. We cannot release someone simply because they choose not to talk,” he said.



When questioned by a lawyer about Sowore’s detention beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit without charge, CP Shogunle reaffirmed, “We are adhering strictly to all legal requirements. All necessary procedures regarding his detention are being followed.”



Concluding, he reiterated that Sowore’s arrest and detention were lawful, stating, “He came voluntarily to the police, and when he refused to make a statement, the arrest was lawfully ordered.”

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