Former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has announced plans to sue the Nigeria Police Force following his recent two-day detention in Abuja, during which his legal team alleges he was subjected to inhumane treatment. His lawyer, Tope Temokun, stated that Sowore’s arm was fractured during a violent attempt by police officers to forcibly transfer him from one cell to another around 6 a.m. on August 8, 2025.
Sowore’s legal team strongly refutes police claims that he arrived at their facility with a bandaged arm, calling this assertion “false, self-indicting, and illogical.” They also challenge the police to release the inventory of Sowore’s possessions seized during arrest to demonstrate transparency. After the injury, Sowore requested access to his own medical team but was denied, receiving treatment instead from an unqualified first-aider without proper diagnosis or X-rays. His refusal to undergo medical examination by police medical personnel is described as a legitimate protective measure against evidence manipulation.
The legal team condemned the tone and content of the police public statement as unprofessional and accused the police of ignoring related allegations, including the alleged theft of Sowore’s Ray-Ban AI glasses by an officer. They announced intentions to pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including petitions to the Nigeria Police Council and Police Service Commission, demanding a full investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
Sowore was released from custody on August 8, 2025, but the case continues with expected court appearances and ongoing scrutiny of police behavior.
The Nigeria Police Force, however, has denied the torture allegations. They claim Sowore brought the bandage with him when he arrived and assert no inhuman treatment occurred. The police also state that Sowore refused medical examinations offered by independent police medical teams. They emphasize adherence to human rights and due process and say the arrest was lawful, based on credible allegations including forgery and cyberbullying.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between civil rights activists and Nigerian security forces regarding detainee treatment and accountability.