- Sowore faces interrogation in Abuja, sparking protests from supporters.
- Sowore declines to provide a statement, citing politically motivated charges.
- Police break up protests outside the FID as tensions escalate.
Activists and supporters of former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore clashed with police in Abuja yesterday during his interrogation at the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Sowore was summoned to answer charges of resisting public officers, cyberstalking, and disobedience to lawful orders, accusations he claims are politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, led the interrogation and informed Sowore that bail could be granted, pending the investigation’s outcome. However, a source present during the proceedings revealed that Sowore refused to provide a written statement, alleging that the questions were designed to implicate him.
“They decided to take his statement, but Sowore said the questions were aimed at complicating his position, so he refused to write,” the source explained.
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When threatened with court action for his refusal to cooperate, Sowore reportedly inquired about which court would be involved but received no answer.
“He asked them which court so we know, but they said they couldn’t tell him,” the source added.
Sowore was accompanied by his lawyers, Marshal Abubakar and Deji Adeyanju, and also rejected any bail conditions that he felt would compromise his integrity.
The police summons stemmed from a viral video Sowore shared, which exposed alleged police extortion activities on Airport Road in Lagos. The video drew widespread attention and highlighted what Sowore has called a pattern of police misconduct.
In response, Sowore’s supporters gathered outside the FID, protesting what they viewed as an attempt to silence the activist. The police dispersed the crowd to contain the rising tension.
Sowore claimed that the police intended to detain him and transport him to Lagos for what he called a “kangaroo trial,” alleging that the charges were baseless and fabricated.
The Nigeria Police Force stated that the investigation was related to crimes allegedly committed in Lagos. However, Sowore has maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to intimidation tactics linked to his vocal criticism of the police and his fight for accountability.
In a statement following the interrogation, Sowore expressed his frustration with the vague nature of the investigation: “After a press conference that prompted the DIG’s comments, I engaged with the police at the FID.
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They relied on a rehashed set of information sourced mainly from the internet. When I asked for specifics regarding the alleged crime in Lagos, they responded vaguely, mentioning Airport Road. I chose not to provide a written statement, as there was no defined crime to address.
“They took a break and later indicated they were awaiting instructions from their superiors. It appears their plan was to detain me and transport me to Lagos for a kangaroo trial. I am prepared to face any consequences and reiterate that my stance is rooted in the belief that the Inspector-General, who should retire in 2024, had his tenure extended illegally. Our fight for justice will continue into this promising year.”
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