Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody following a public outcry over his detention.
Sowore, who was arrested on Wednesday and held until Friday evening, announced his freedom on his official X handle. He credited his release to the power of unity.
He wrote: “I have been released from unjust, unwarranted and unlawful detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, work tongues, but I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity.”
Following his release from custody, activist Omoyele Sowore accused the police of breaking his arm while attempting to forcibly transfer him to court.
Sowore claimed that a police team, led by a Chief Superintendent of Police, handled him roughly during the process.
Sowore thanked the public for their support, highlighting the impact of unity in securing his release.
The police had previously stated that Sowore was detained for allegedly refusing to provide a statement during interrogation on charges of “forgery and inciting disturbance.”
Amnesty International condemned the police’s actions and called for Sowore’s unconditional release, demanding an end to what it described as “bogus and politically motivated charges.”
“We have been calling on Nigerian authorities to call the police to order and halt any further physical harm to Sowore. He must be immediately given adequate medical care,” the organization said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also spoke out against Sowore’s detention, warning that silence in the face of such repression is complicity.
“If the state can arbitrarily detain Sowore today, no journalist, no trade unionist, no activist, and no ordinary citizen is safe tomorrow,” Joe Ajaero said.
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