The Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law Initiative has warned that human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, must not spend the night in detention following his invitation by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson Agada Abuh Theophilus, the group expressed its outrage over the police’s actions, particularly in light of Sowore’s work as a human rights activist.
We will accompany Sowore to the police on January 27, 2025, at 10 AM,” the statement said. “We warn the police that any attempt to detain or arrest him will be met with widespread condemnation and protest.
“Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has not committed any crime; rather, he is a champion for the rights of all Nigerians.”
The group condemned the charges against Sowore, which include “Resisting and Obstructing Public Officers” and “Disobedience to Lawful Order.”
They labelled the investigation as a distraction from more pressing issues within the police force.
“We call on the Nigerian Police Force to redirect their energy towards combating genuine threats to public safety rather than targeting activists who are striving to make the system work for the people,” the group urged.
It further emphasised the need for the police to focus on upholding justice and combating corruption within their own ranks.
“It is time for the police to act in the interest of justice rather than perpetuating a culture of fear,” the group said.
The statement concluded with a call for responsible action, urging the police to respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
“The people of Nigeria deserve better,” it added.
Meanwhile, Sowore has vowed to honour the police invitation requesting his presence for an interview on Monday
Nigeria Police Force had invited Sowore for questioning over a video he recorded during an altercation with police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
Reacting to the invitation, Sowore on Friday evening, said he would honour the invitation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has formally extended an invitation letter requesting my presence for an interview regarding certain criminal allegations, and it is my duty to honor their invitation, which I will do on Monday as requested,” he said.
On his social media handles, Sowore also posted, “The @PoliceNG invitation has arrived, I will be there on Monday as requested. #RevolutionNow.”
The police letter dated January 23, 2025, was signed by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Commissioner of Police (OPS), on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
The invitation letter asked Sowore to report on Monday, January 27, 2025, for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID).
The police added that the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) is at liberty to come with his lawyer.
“This office is investigating case of Resisting and Obstructing Public Officers, Disobedience to Lawful Order, Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm or Prevent Arrest, Compelling Action by Intimidation, Reckless & Negligent Acts, Refusal to Assist Public Servant and Cyberstalking in which your name featured, prominently,” the letter reads.
“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Monday, 27th January, 2025 at 10am.
“This request is made pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Police by the combined effects of Sections 214 and the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020.
“Be informed that you are at liberty to come along with your attorney, please.”
On Wednesday night, the police force had launched a manhunt for Sowore following the video which he posted on social media platforms
The video shows police officers stationed on the road, apparently extorting money from motorists.
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