The Take It Back Movement (TIB) has vowed to embark on a nationwide protest over the alleged detention of its convener, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force, Peak Newspaper Nigeria reports.
Sowore, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday with his supporters to honour a police invitation.
He is being investigated by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit for alleged forgery and inciting disturbance.
TIB National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, told journalists that the police obtained a court order to detain Sowore. He condemned what he described as harassment and politically motivated intimidation of the activist.
In a statement, Sanyaolu said the police refused to disclose the details of the petition or the petitioner’s identity. Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, had earlier been informed that the petition would be made available when his client arrived for questioning.
Videos circulating on social media showed Sowore’s supporters protesting outside the police headquarters, warning against his detention. Sanyaolu said Nigerians should prepare for “mass action” to demand his release.
AAC National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, added, “We will not hesitate to occupy police commands nationwide until Sowore is freed.”
Former Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo also criticised the police on X platform, accusing them of misusing law enforcement powers to silence critics.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi could not be reached for comments as of press time.
