The legal team representing human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed deep concern over his safety following his detention by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Tope Temokun Esq., speaking on behalf of Sowore’s legal team, accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of orchestrating a personal vendetta against Sowore, citing recent public criticisms and protests spearheaded by the activist.
“Given the events of recent days and Sowore’s open call to question the official acts of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, we entertain a strong apprehension that Omoyele Sowore… is not safe in the custody of the Police,” the statement read.
Sowore was taken into custody on August 6, 2025, after honoring an invitation by the Nigeria Police. According to his legal team, his detention is rooted in two petitions — one reportedly filed by the Nigeria Police itself, and the other allegedly targeting Sahara Reporters.
Criticizing this, Temokun said: “The implication of this is that the only petition that subsists against Sowore today is the petition against Sowore by the Police itself… the complainant is the same as the arrestor and the same as the detainer and the same as the investigator.”
The legal team further argued that the entire arrest and detention process lacked fairness and transparency, highlighting Sowore’s earlier accusations against the IGP for alleged “cronyism and favoritism” in the mass promotion of officers.
The statement also referenced a protest led by Sowore on July 21, 2025, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he and fellow activists, including retired officers, demanded improved conditions for serving and retired police personnel.
During that protest, Sowore’s AI-powered Ray-Ban eyeglasses were allegedly snatched by one Mr. Aku Victor Chiemerie, who was reportedly linked to the Nigeria Police Force. Despite multiple petitions and Sowore’s cooperation with investigations, the legal team claims that “no concrete steps” have been taken by the police to resolve the issue.
“The Inspector General of Police who refused to clear the name of the Police in that ignoble act of thievery… has deployed the entire Police Force arsenal to fight Sowore back on his various criticisms,” Temokun alleged.
Calling for Sowore’s immediate release, the legal team challenged the legality and morality of the arrest, suggesting that the IGP has turned the police institution into a tool for “personal battle.”
“We demand the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore and the return of Sowore’s AI-powered Ray-Ban eyeglasses to him now!” the statement urged.
The press release concluded with a grave warning.
“We fear for his life and safety in police detention and should anything untoward happen to Sowore, the Inspector General of Police should be ready to face the Nigerian people and give account.”
Sowore remains in custody as reactions continue to pour in from civil society and legal advocacy groups.
