Sowore Brutalized by Eight Police Officers Before Secret Transfer from Abuja Detention – Source
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was allegedly assaulted by eight police officers early Thursday morning before being secretly relocated from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, where he had been detained since Wednesday.
Sources revealed that the incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. when a team of police officers, reportedly led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), stormed Sowore’s holding cell to forcefully relocate him without legal representation or proper clothing.
“He refused to leave the cell without his lawyers and clothes. That’s when they pounced on him,” said a source familiar with the situation. “There were eight officers involved, led by a CSP. During the scuffle, they twisted his right hand. It appears to be broken.”
The operation was reportedly carried out by personnel from the Inspector-General of Police’s Monitoring Unit, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akin Fakorede. The CSP involved allegedly works under Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.
Sowore was initially detained after honouring a police invitation on Wednesday, arriving at the Force Headquarters in Abuja at about 12:16 p.m. with a travel bag, lawyers Barristers A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar and supporters chanting anti-government slogans.
Despite previously rejecting the invitation as “defective and legally flawed,” Sowore decided to appear in person. He was reportedly served two petitions while in custody, both presented by DCP Fakorede.
One petition accused Sowore of forgery, while the second alleging criminal defamation was filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, a police officer controversially promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Sources claim her rise was linked to a personal relationship with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The case has stirred widespread criticism, with rights groups and political observers labeling it a clear act of police brutality and political persecution. Many say it reflects a growing pattern of intimidation against dissenters and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Sowore has long been a vocal critic of government excesses and police misconduct. He described the petitions as originating from the “illegal office of the IGP,” further fueling concerns over abuse of office and personal vendettas within the police hierarchy.
The activist’s Take It Back Movement and allied groups issued a two-hour ultimatum on Wednesday demanding his release, warning of a mass resistance if he wasn’t freed.
“They came to take him to court but refused to bring his lawyers. He stood his ground, and they attacked him. His hand is now broken,” said a source.
“The notorious former SARS officer, DCP Akin Fakorede, presented two petitions… one for alleged forgery and another from Bukola Yemisi Kuti for criminal defamation,” Sowore wrote in a post on his X handle.
As of now, the whereabouts of Sowore remain unknown, sparking fears for his safety and prompting calls for accountability. Legal experts and human rights advocates have demanded an independent investigation into the incident and urged the Nigerian Police Force to uphold the rule of law.
