Sowore’s Detention: CODWA Castigates Nigeria Police For Abuse Of Power
Sowore, a well-known advocate for social justice and good governance, was summoned via a police invitation letter dated January 23, 2025.
The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) has condemned the invitation and subsequent detention by the Nigeria Police Force of a prominent human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
This was as CODWA called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable for actions that undermine the rights of its citizens.
It described the action of the police as a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to silence dissent.
Sowore, an advocate for social justice and good governance, was invited by the police through a letter dated January 23, 2025 and was later detained after rejecting what he described as “illegal” bail conditions.
Sowore said that he only exposed some police officers allegedly extorting motorists along Ikeja, in Lagos State.
However, the letter of invitation extended to Sowore by the police accused him of various offences, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, and cyber stalking.
A by Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, Executive Director of CODWA, dismissed the allegations by the Nigeria police as baseless and politically motivated.
CODWA said that it was appalled by the Nigeria Police’s continued harassment and intimidation of law-abiding citizens, particularly activists and journalists.
It said; “This blatant abuse of power is a stark reminder of the colonial-era tactics employed by the police to stifle dissenting voices”.
The organisation tasked the Nigeria police to uphold democratic values and refrain from suppressing free speech and lawful activism.
CODWA said; “Worryingly, this is not an isolated incident. This was the same path toed by the Nigeria police against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, a few months back.
“It appears that the police have declared war on voices of dissent and opposition.
“We demand that the police immediately release Sowore from detention and drop all charges against him.
“Furthermore, we call on the Nigerian government to take concrete steps to address the pressing security concerns plaguing our nation, including kidnappings, cultism, and rape,” it said.
CODWA declared that the police must be reminded that their primary responsibility is to protect the citizens, not to harass and intimidate them.
“We urge all Nigerians to rise up in solidarity and demand justice for Sowore and all victims of police brutality.
“For justice and democracy to prevail, we must collectively resist the attempts by the Nigeria police to undermine our fundamental human rights,” it stressed.
