The Nigerian Police on Saturday said it will soon arraign human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore in court for criminal offences.

According to the police, Sowore will soon face the criminal charges in a competent court.

The force said the activist was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.

It added that Sowore was arrested in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect, denying that he was tortured while in their custody.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, stressed that Sowore was granted bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit as stipulated in Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The FPRO disclosed that Sowore had been informed of the charges against him and would appear before a competent court in a few days time.

On the viral pictures of Sowore with a heavily bandaged arm, the police stressed that his narrative of torture was “false and grossly misleading.”

It explained that the bandage was part of Sowore’s belongings before his arrest, and not a result of any injury sustained in detention.

The FPRO’s statement read, “To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window… He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him.

“Equally false is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody”.
According to the police, two separate medical examinations were offered to Sowore on August 7 and 8, conducted by teams led by the Medical Director of Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer, respectively.

But both offers were reportedly declined by the activist, the police said.

“The record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected,” the statement added.

Police further stated that Sowore’s continued detention was backed by a valid remand order from a court of competent jurisdiction, warning against what it described as “sensationalism” by some civil society groups and media actors.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice without fear or favour. No individual regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach is above the law,” the police said.

The FPRO said police will provide further updates as investigations continue.