Human Rights Lawyer Calls For Release Of Sowore

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has conderned the unlawful detention of human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowere for uploading a viral video alleging extortion by officers of the police force at a checkpoint in Lagos.

Adeyanju said, having fulfilled all the necessary and lawful conditions by the Force Intelligent
Department, FID, Sowore also deserves to be treated with some level of levity due to his prompt response to their invitation for questioning.

He however called on president Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun to wade into the matter in the interest of justice as the only hope for a common man in line with the president’s renewed hope agenda for all Nigerians.

The human rights lawyer, however, enjoined all well-meaning nigerians, public office holders especially the political class to desist from every act capable of heating up the polity for national development.

In honouring the invitation,
Sowore, arrived at the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja on Monday for questioning by the police at about 9:58 a.m. following an invitation by the police after the viral video for questioning.

The activist was summoned to address several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts allegedly intended to prevent arrests.

The invitation letter from the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force read in part:

“This office is investigating a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking, in which your name featured prominently.”

“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 Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Monday, 27th January, 2025, at 10 a.m.”

In response to the summons, a group known as the Take It Back Movement circulated a flier on social media calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters.

By early Monday morning, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were barricaded by heavily armed officers and increased security presence, which appeared to be a precautionary response to tackle planned demonstration by unpatriotic Nigerians.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji