Prominent activist and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, was released shortly after his arrest at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Sowore was earlier detained upon his arrival in Nigeria from the United States. His passport was seized by Nigerian Immigration officials, who informed him they had orders to detain him.
The activist took to social media to announce his arrest, stating that it was part of a broader crackdown by the government.
He wrote; “DETAINED BY THE @NigerianImmigration, my International passport confiscated.
“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.
“This is not unexpected because I have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.
“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary, by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond. #EndBadGovernaceInNigerianow #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore’s flight departed from Washington Dulles International Airport and landed in Lagos around 9:43 a.m. on Sunday morning.
A Department of State Services’ (DSS) memo ordering his arrest reportedly leaked earlier in the week, raising concerns about his detention upon arrival.
However, after a brief period in custody, Sowore announced his release on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me,” he posted.
Sowore’s arrest and swift release follow his continued activism and vocal opposition to the current administration, which he has repeatedly criticized.
Recall also that the Department of State Services (DSS) had recently upgraded Sowore’s status and name on its “watchlist.”
In a correspondence dated August 16, 2024, and signed by Adeola Ali, the DSS had ordered operatives to arrest Sowore upon his arrival in the country.
It read, “I am directed to inform you that the DSSDG has approved the upgrading of Watchlist B (Report arrival and destination by telephone immediately) to Watchlist F (Detain traveller and escort with baggage to National Headquarters). Vide DSE: 9A/6201 against Omoyele Sowore, an activist and founder of Sahara Reporters. This is for your strict compliance.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
