Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, politician and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been released from police custody after spending 48 hours in detention.
Sowore on Friday confirmed his release on his X handle, expressing gratitude to supporters who stood by him during his ordeal.
Announcing his release in a post on X, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of unlawful conduct.
Sowore was detained on Thursday after honouring a police invitation over alleged “forgery and inciting disturbance”.
During his detention, Sowore allegedly sustained a broken hand due to police brutality, with Amnesty International condemning the incident and calling for adequate medical care.
Sowore was released on Friday evening, with his freedom sparking celebrations among his supporters.
After his release, Sowore said, “The Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement.
“I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention.”
However, Sowore emphasised that his release was, “nothing to celebrate” as the struggle for justice continues, thanking his supporters for their unwavering solidarity.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, faulted Sowore’s detention, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.
Obi said Omoyele’s detention shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the police was a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.
“From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.
“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power,” Obi stated in a post on X on Thursday night.
