Group demand Sowore’s release, alleges police brutality and rights violations

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network has condemned the continued detention and alleged assault of prominent activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement signed by its secretary, Comrade Iortyom Moses, the Network demanded his immediate release and called for accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement.

The statement revealed that Sowore, who voluntarily honored a police invitation on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, has since been subjected to alleged severe physical assault by at least eight police officers at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja.

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The statement reads in part; “According to credible reports, the attack occurred at approximately 6:00 AM when a team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police stormed his detention cell.

“They broke his right hand,” confirmed a source close to the activist. “He refused to be taken away without his clothes, and that’s when they pounced on him”.

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“The activist was subsequently forcibly relocated to an undisclosed location, raising serious concerns about his safety and wellbeing.

“We have identified multiple procedural and constitutional infractions in Sowore’s case;

“Conflict of Interest: The police are acting as both complainant and investigator, violating principles of natural justice

“Questionable Petitions: Two petitions were presented by DCP Akin Fakorede, including one alleging forgery and another claiming ‘Criminal Defamation’ by Bukola Yemisi Kuti (promoted to ACP under controversial circumstances)

“Passport Seizure: Earlier this year, authorities seized Sowore’s international passport through court proceedings

Political Motivation: The targeting appears to be retaliation for Sowore’s continued exposure of corruption in Nigerian governance and law enforcement

‘Pattern of Harassment and Intimidation.

This latest incident represents an escalation in what appears to be a systematic campaign of harassment against Sowore for his advocacy work. The activist has consistently stood against injustice affecting police officers and the broader Nigerian public, making him a target for those seeking to silence dissent.

“Immediate Demands;

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network makes the following demands:

Sowore must be released unconditionally or formally charged in court within constitutional timeframes.

Immediate access to proper medical care for injuries sustained during the alleged assault.

“We call for an independent investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the assault. The Inspector General of Police must be held responsible for these violations of human rights and due process. We call for the immediate sack of IGP Egbetokun.

“We call upon all Nigerians who value justice and constitutional rights to stand with Sowore during this critical time. The Nigerian people, for whom Sowore has consistently advocated, must not remain silent in the face of such blatant abuse of power.

“If the Nigeria Police Force fails to release Omoyele Sowore immediately, we will mobilize Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest against the Inspector General of Police.

“Furthermore, we demand the immediate removal of the Inspector General of Police if he continues to abuse his public office and violate the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens,” they added.

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