Abuja, 7 August 2025
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), strongly condemns the reported assault and continued detention of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowore was detained on Tuesday, 6 August 2025, after honouring a police invitation in Abuja. The invitation, issued in July, indicated that he was under investigation for alleged criminal conspiracy, criminal libel, and inciting disturbance of public peace. However, according to a statement by his legal counsel, Marshal Abubakar, the petitions presented upon his arrival were entirely different, citing allegations of forgery and criminal defamation – including one reportedly filed by a recently promoted senior police officer.
Despite being accompanied by his lawyers, the lack of clarity and shifting grounds for the investigation raise serious concerns about due process. These concerns were further exacerbated on Wednesday, 7 August, when reports emerged that officers of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team physically assaulted Sowore while in custody – allegedly breaking his arm – and subsequently transferring him to an undisclosed location without notifying his legal team.
These actions constitute grave violations of Mr. Sowore’s constitutional and legal rights, including his right to dignity as guaranteed under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 37 of the Police Act, 2020, and protections under Section 2(1) of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
PLAC is particularly alarmed by the broader context in which these events are occurring. Mr. Sowore has been at the forefront of a public campaign questioning the legality of the recent extension of the tenure of the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. These circumstances raise troubling concerns that his detention and reported assault may be acts of retaliation and an abuse of police powers to silence critical voices.
Furthermore, the invocation of criminal defamation – a charge routinely used to intimidate journalists and activists – underscores the urgent need for legal reform. The continued use of such laws by public officials to harass and target dissenters is inconsistent with democratic principles and undermines press freedom.
PLAC therefore:
- Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Omoyele Sowore;
- Calls for urgent medical attention and full disclosure of his current location and condition;
- Urges a transparent and independent investigation into the reported assault and misconduct of officers involved;
- Reiterates the need for decriminalization of defamation and related reforms in line with international human rights standards.
PLAC stands firmly against all forms of abuse and intimidation of civic actors and urges the Nigerian government to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
For: Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
O. Akinyeye
Deputy Executive Director
