Why Sowore is Being Detained – Police Commissioner Explains

The Commissioner of Police for Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has disclosed that activist Omoyele Sowore remains in police custody due to his alleged refusal to provide a statement during interrogation.

Addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle stated that Sowore—the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate—was detained after honoring a police invitation on Wednesday but declining to respond to allegations against him.

“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence,” Shogunle said in a video published by Sahara Reporters. “One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online… The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.”

The police chief emphasized that Sowore was presented with the petitions alongside his lawyers but chose not to defend himself.

“The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record,” Shogunle stated. “The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties when somebody alleged of an offence decides not to talk.”

When challenged about detaining Sowore beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit, the commissioner insisted: “We are professionals, we are following the provisions of the law. Everything needed to be followed under the law in keeping somebody is being followed.”

Sowore’s detention has sparked nationwide protests in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states, with demonstrators demanding his release. The activist had recently led protests advocating for improved welfare for retired police officers and criticized promotions within the force.

Shogunle defended the police action, stating: “He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered.” The commissioner offered to show protesters Sowore’s detention facility to prove he wasn’t being mistreated.

The police maintain that Sowore’s continued detention follows legal procedures, despite growing public outcry over the activist’s confinement.