-
Atiku Slams Police Over Sowore’s Arrest, Calls It Abuse of Power.
-
Says IGP acting as complainant and enforcer is a conflict of interest.
-
Civil society groups demand Sowore’s immediate release over rights violations
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the arrest and alleged brutalisation of activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a “shameful abuse of power.”
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Lagos PDP Inaugurates Screening Committee Ahead of State Congress
- North Needs Unity Not Infrastructure – APC Chieftain
- INEC Rejects ADC’s David Mark-Led Caretaker Committee
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement posted on his social media platforms on Thursday, Atiku said Sowore’s only offence was his outspoken criticism of injustice, nepotism, and bad governance.
Sowore was reportedly arrested on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. His lawyer, Tope Temokun, alleged that he was later moved to an undisclosed location in the early hours of Thursday under circumstances that left him physically injured.
“This is not policing; it is persecution,” Atiku said. “The IGP cannot be both a complainant and the force behind the arrest.”
The former Vice President criticised the legal basis of the police action and pointed to Police Regulation 367, which prohibits officers from initiating legal proceedings in personal matters linked to their public duties.
He described the Inspector-General’s actions as a conflict of interest and a violation of due process.
Calling for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, Atiku stressed that the arrest was not just an attack on one individual but a broader assault on the rights of all Nigerians who challenge the government.
“This must stop,” Atiku declared.
