The Nigeria Police Force says the charges against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore are criminal and he will soon face them in a competent court.
The police also denied allegations of torture Sowore following his recent arrest in Abuja, stating that his detention was lawful and based criminal allegations including forgery and cyberstalking.
In a press release dated August 8, 2025, and referenced as Ref No.CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/483, the Force said that Sowore’s arrest was based on “credible, corroborated allegations” and was executed in line with constitutional provisions, without violating his rights.
The statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasised that Sowore was granted bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit as stipulated in Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The statement said that he had been informed of the charges against him and was expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days.
Responding to viral images of Sowore wearing a bandage on his arm, the police described the narrative of torture as “false and grossly misleading.”
The police said the bandage was part of Sowore’s belongings before his arrest, and was not a result of any injury sustained in police custody.
“To be clear, Mr. Sowore was released on bail well within the 48-hour constitutional window… He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him,” the statement noted. “Equally false… is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody.”
The Police claimed that two separate medical examinations were offered to Mr. Sowore on August 7 and 8, conducted by teams led by the Medical Director of Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer, respectively. It said oth offers were reportedly declined by the activist.
“The record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected,” the Police added.
The Force further stated that his continued detention was backed by a valid remand order from a court of competent jurisdiction, and warned against what it described as “sensationalism” by some civil society groups and media actors.
