The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations of brutality and torture against human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, insisting his recent arrest was lawful and based on credible allegations of forgery and cyberstalking.
In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Sowore’s arrest followed corroborated intelligence and was carried out in line with constitutional safeguards and due process.
According to the police, Sowore was granted bail within the constitutionally mandated 48 hours, as stipulated under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and is fully aware of the charges against him. He is expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days.
The Force described as “false and grossly misleading” claims that Sowore was tortured in custody, stressing its zero-tolerance policy for torture in line with the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
On a widely circulated photograph showing Sowore with a bandaged arm, the police said the bandage was already in his possession before his arrest. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an internal probe into how he accessed it in custody, particularly after refusing medical examinations by independent police medical teams.
The statement explained that on August 7, 2025, the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital led a team to examine Sowore, but he declined. A second attempt on August 8, led by the Force Medical Officer, was also rejected. Both refusals, the police said, are documented.
The Force stressed that Sowore’s detention is backed by a valid court remand order and is not politically motivated.
It urged the media and civil society to avoid sensationalism and verify facts before publication, warning that misinformation undermines public trust and the integrity of investigations.
“No individual, regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law,” the statement read, reaffirming the police’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and impartial justice.
