"Adeyanju Accuses IGP Egbetokun of Sowore's Torture, Threatens Retribution for Wrongdoings"
The arrest and detention of Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has sparked a wave of controversy, with conflicting claims about his treatment in police custody.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has vehemently denied allegations of torture, stating that Sowore's arrest was carried out in compliance with extant legal provisions and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect. The police force also maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, citing adherence to the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and international human rights obligations.
However, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Sowore's supporters have condemned Sowore’s alleged treatment, describing it as a violation of constitutional rights. Falana has demanded an investigation into the torture allegations and called for Sowore’s immediate release from police custody to receive urgent medical treatment.
A viral image showing Sowore with a bandaged arm has fueled the controversy, but the NPF has explained that the bandage was part of Sowore's personal effects before arrest and that he twice rejected offers for independent medical evaluation.
Deji Adeyanju, a social activist, has added to the disinformation by accusing the police of torturing Sowore and breaking his hands. However, these accusations contradict the statement made by the NPF spokesperson, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, who stated that Sowore was not subjected to torture while in custody.
Sowore's arrest was in response to allegations of criminal offences, including forgery and cyberstalking, currently under active investigation. He is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to these allegations in a lawful and transparent judicial process.
The investigation into the allegations against Sowore is ongoing, and he has been duly informed of the charges against him. The NPF has been compelled to address and correct disinformation regarding Sowore's arrest and detention, emphasising their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
In summary, the situation presents conflicting claims: the police deny any torture and assert lawful treatment and process, while human rights defenders and Sowore’s supporters allege torture and demand accountability. No independent or third-party investigation results were found to conclusively confirm either claim. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will likely provide further clarification on the matter.
[1] Nigeria Police Force. (n.d.). Zero Tolerance for Torture. Retrieved from https://www.npf.gov.ng/zero-tolerance-for-torture/
[2] Falana, F. (2021, September 23). Press Statement: Arrest and Detention of Omoyele Sowore. Retrieved from https://www.falanafalana.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Press-Statement-Arrest-and-Detention-of-Omoyele-Sowore.pdf
[3] Amnesty International. (2021, September 21). Nigeria: Release Omoyele Sowore, drop all charges. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/09/nigeria-release-omoyele-sowore-drop-all-charges/
[4] Human Rights Watch. (2021, September 21). Nigeria: Release Omoyele Sowore, Drop Charges. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/09/21/nigeria-release-omoyele-sowore-drop-charges
[5] United Nations. (2017). Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/caticonvention.aspx
- The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, as clearly stated on their official website. [1]
- Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, has demanded an investigation into allegations of Sowore’s torture and called for his immediate release. [2]
- Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also called for the release of Omoyele Sowore and the dropping of all charges against him. [3, 4]
- The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, an international human rights treaty, defines torture and sets out measures to prohibit it. [5]
