"Police Clarify Events Surrounding Sowore's Detention: No Torture Involved"
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to the recent controversy surrounding the arrest and detention of activist Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore was taken into custody based on credible and corroborated allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and defamation, as well as ongoing investigations related to criminal defamation petitions against him [1][2][5]. Prior to his detention, Sowore honoured the police's invitation to discuss these allegations [2][3].
Despite allegations of inhumane treatment and physical injury, including a broken hand, during detention and forced transfer, the NPF has denied any torture claims, asserting that Sowore's arrest and detention complied fully with legal and constitutional protocols [1][4]. The police emphasised adherence to due process and constitutional safeguards, and Sowore was released on bail within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period [1][3].
The NPF has launched an internal investigation into how Sowore had access to a bandage during detention, which was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the police's invitation [6]. Sowore has also refused evaluations by two separate medical teams dispatched by the NPF [7].
The NPF urges the media, civil society actors, and the public to exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in their reporting. No individual, regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law. Sowore is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to the accusations [4].
The NPF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice without fear or favor. Sensationalism poses a clear risk to public trust and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
[1] Anti-Torture Act, 2017 [2] Credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation [3] Sowore was released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional window [4] The Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, in alignment with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 [5] The Nigeria Police Force urges the media, civil society actors, and the public to exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in their reporting [6] The bandage on Sowore's arm in a viral image was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police's invitation, prior to his arrest and detention [7] The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) dispatched a medical team to conduct an independent examination on Sowore on 7th August 2025, but he declined the evaluation. A second medical team was sent on 8th August 2025, and Sowore also declined their evaluation. These refusals are officially documented.
- The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is investigating the circumstances surrounding activist Omoyele Sowore's access to a bandage during his detention.
- Despite allegations against the NPF regarding inhumane treatment, they maintain that Sowore's arrest and detention were legal and constitutional.
- Sowore was arrested and detained over allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, defamation, and ongoing criminal defamation investigations.
- Sowore was invited by the police to discuss these allegations before his detention and was released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional window.
- The NPF has urged greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility from the media, civil society actors, and the public regarding reporting on this general news and crime-and-justice matter.
- Omoyele Sowere has refused evaluations by two separate medical teams dispatched by the NPF, according to officially documented refusals.
