The Nigeria Police Force has come out to react to the torture allegations levelled against it after the arrest and detention of Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
The police recently described Sowore as a man who is popular for weaponizing propaganda to make state institutions look bad.
Speaking via a press statement, DCP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, revealed that the clarification is necessary to correct the continuous misinformation circulating online after his lawful arrest and detention.
According to him, Sowore was apprehended for forgery and cyberstalking offences, and his arrest was based on true and corroborated allegations.
The DCP stated that the arrest happened with complete adherence to constitutional safeguards, and the political activist was released on bail within the 2-day constitutional window.
“To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window, in accordance with the provisions of Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him and has been duly informed of the charges. He is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to the accusations in a lawful and transparent judicial process.
Equally false and grossly misleading is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody. The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in alignment with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and in fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments.
The viral image of Mr. Sowore with a bandaged arm has been mischievously presented to mislead the public and stir unwarranted outrage. For the record, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention. In any case, upon receiving the report that Mr. Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police promptly ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly in light of his consistent refusal to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police. This proactive step underscores the IGP’s unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to established custodial protocols,” it read.
DCP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI maintained that the brutality claims have been wide off the mark, insisting that Sowore was offered a medical team to check his bandaged arm, but he turned it down.
The police stressed that all of the actions taken by the police, while Sowore was in custody, were carried out without malice or political bias.
He concluded by urging the media to be diligent and truthful in their reporting of the event, emphasising that doing otherwise poses a direct risk to the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
“In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on 7th August 2025. Mr. Sowore declined the evaluation. A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on 8th August 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect. These refusals are officially documented. While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected.
Furthermore, his continued detention is not arbitrary; it is anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court of jurisdiction. Every action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been underpinned by legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones.
The Force urges the media, civil society actors, and the public to exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in their reporting. Sensationalism, particularly when driven by those with personal vendettas against the Police leadership, poses a clear risk to public trust and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
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.
Further updates on this matter will be provided as investigations proceed in accordance with due process,” it added.
