Sowore’s Arrest: Police Deny Torture Allegations, Cite Charges of Forgery, Cyberstalking

The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations of torture made by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, stating that his recent arrest was lawful and based on credible allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other criminal offences.

Sowore was detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday after reportedly honouring an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. He was released on bail within 48 hours, in line with constitutional provisions. In a Facebook post confirming his release on Friday, Sowore described the detention as “illegal and unjust.”

While in custody, a video surfaced showing Sowore alleging physical assault.
“Since I came here yesterday, they broke my hand. They have not been able to bring a doctor — they brought a nurse,” he said during a live stream shared by Sahara Reporters. “Instead of bringing the doctor, they went and brought the media. I was expecting it,” he added.

However, in a statement issued Friday and signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police rejected the claims, describing them as deliberate disinformation.

“The Nigeria Police Force is compelled to address and decisively correct the recent wave of disinformation being peddled in connection with the lawful arrest and detention of Mr. Omoyele Sowore—a figure known for manipulating public narratives and weaponising propaganda to malign state institutions and their leadership, particularly the office of the Inspector-General of Police,” the statement read.

The police maintained that Sowore’s arrest followed “credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation,” adding that his rights were fully respected during the process.

The Force clarified that his detention was not arbitrary but based on a valid court-issued remand order, and he was released “well within the 48-hour constitutional window,” in line with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Addressing the viral images of Sowore wearing a bandage, the police said the item was part of his personal belongings before his arrest and was not evidence of abuse.
“The viral image of Mr. Sowore with a bandage has been mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage,” the statement said.

It added that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered an internal investigation to determine how Sowore accessed the bandage during detention, especially since he had reportedly refused medical evaluation by police medical teams.

“In the spirit of accountability and transparency,” the police said, a medical team led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital was dispatched on August 7, 2025, to examine him. Sowore declined. A second team led by the Force Medical Officer was sent the following day, and again, access was denied. These refusals have been officially documented.

The Force reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on torture, citing the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights laws.

“The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture… The actions taken in Mr. Sowore’s case are devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones,” the statement emphasized.

The police called on the media and civil society to act with professionalism and caution in their reporting, warning that “sensationalism,” especially from individuals with “personal vendettas against Police leadership,” undermines public trust and ongoing investigations.

Sowore is expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days to face the charges against him.