Group Slams Nigerian Police For Abuse Of Power Over Sowore’s Indefinite Detention
Sowore, a well-known advocate for social justice and good governance, was summoned via a police invitation letter dated January 23, 2025.
The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) has condemned the recent invitation and detention of Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police.
It described the move as a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to silence dissent.
Sowore, a well-known advocate for social justice and good governance, was summoned via a police invitation letter dated January 23, 2025.
He was later detained after rejecting the “illegal” bail conditions set by the police over his exposé on officers allegedly extorting motorists along Ikeja, Lagos State.
The letter accused him of various offences, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, and cyber stalking.
In a statement released Monday, CODWA’s Executive Director, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“CODWA is appalled by the Nigerian Police’s continued harassment and intimidation of law-abiding citizens, particularly activists and journalists,” Otitolaye said.
“This blatant abuse of power is a stark reminder of the colonial-era tactics employed by the police to stifle dissenting voices.”
The group urged the police to uphold democratic values and refrain from suppressing free speech and lawful activism.
CODWA also called on civil society organisations and the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable for actions that undermine the rights of its citizens
The statement read, “Worryingly, this is not an isolated incident. This was the same path toed by the Nigerian police against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, a few months back.
“It appears that the police have declared war on voices of dissent and opposition.
“We demand that the police immediately release Sowore from detention and drop all charges against him.
“Furthermore, we call on the Nigerian government to take concrete steps to address the pressing security concerns plaguing our nation, including kidnappings, cultism, and rape.”
CODWA said the police must be reminded that their primary responsibility is to protect the citizens, not to harass and intimidate them.
“We urge all Nigerians to rise up in solidarity and demand justice for Sowore and all victims of police brutality.
“For justice and democracy to prevail, we must collectively resist the attempts by the Nigerian police to undermine our fundamental human rights,” Otitolaye added.
