The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Saturday said charges against human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore are criminal.
NPF said Sowore will soon face them in a competent court.
Police said he was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.
The arrest, the police said, was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.
The police also denied allegations of torturing Sowore following his recent arrest in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police emphasized that Sowore was granted bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit as stipulated in Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Adejobi said Sowore had been informed of the charges against him and was expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days.
Responding to viral images of Sowore wearing a bandage on his arm, the police described the narrative of torture as “false and grossly misleading.”
The NPF said the bandage was part of Sowore’s belongings before his arrest, and was not a result of any injury sustained in police custody.
Adejobi said; “To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window… He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him.
“Equally false is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody”.
The Police claimed that two separate medical examinations were offered to Mr. Sowore on August 7 and 8, conducted by teams led by the Medical Director of Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer, respectively.
Adejobi said both offers were reportedly declined by the activist.
“The record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected,” the Police added.
The Force further stated that his continued detention was backed by a valid remand order from a court of competent jurisdiction, and warned against what it described as “sensationalism” by some civil society groups and media actors.
He said; “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice without fear or favour. No individual regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach is above the law”.
Adejobi said the Police will provide further updates as investigations continue.
