The Nigerian Police Force ((NPF), on Friday, August 8, 2025, bowed to pressure and outcry of members of the public, demands of civil society organisations (CSOs), top opposition political figures and other stakeholders for the release of the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and activist, Omoyele Sowere.
The release of the activist was contained in his verified X handle and Facebook on Friday night in which he wrote; “Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movt.
“I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank u for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow,” Sowere said.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, had explained the circumstances surrounding the continued detention of Sowere, saying that the activist was being held in connection with two separate petitions filed against him.
According to Shogunle; “The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law.
“It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record,” he said.
The Police Commissioner further said that the legal implications of Sowore’s refusal to provide a statement, allow the police to proceed with investigative procedures under such circumstances.
According to Shogunle; “The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk.
“I believe we are professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Sowere said shortly after his release that the police subjected him to an unjust, unwarranted, and entirely unlawful detention.
The activist said that the police had no choice, but to release him, adding however that it was not a victory to be celebrated with fanfare.
Sowere said; “It is not a moment for self-congratulation or eased tongues. It is simply a reminder of what we already knew that when we stand together, when we refuse to bow, even the most oppressive institutions are forced to bend or break!
“I am deeply grateful to every one of you who refused to look away, particularly our strong and ever-firm legal team, the advocates for justice, and the resisters who marched on the streets through this ordeal.
“You all stood firm, raised your voices, and showed up in person, online, at home and in the diaspora. It is your unwavering solidarity that made this outcome inevitable.
This moment is not an end. It is fuel. It is proof that unity works and that resistance is not futile. The struggle continues, fiercer and more focused than ever, UNTIL WE WIN!” he declared.
