On August 8, 2025, the Commissioner of Police for Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, addressed protesters and the press in Abuja regarding the continued detention of human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore's arrest and custody have sparked public outcry and demands for his immediate release.
Police revealed that Sowore remains in custody because he has refused to make a statement during police interrogation, despite being shown two petitions against him. The first petition concerns the alleged forgery of a police document that Sowore published online, which legally requires him to disclose the source of the document. The second petition involves allegations of cyberbullying.
The Commissioner emphasized that the petitions were presented to Sowore in the presence of his lawyers, and under Nigerian law, it is his duty to respond by providing his position on the allegations. His refusal to do so has resulted in the continuation of his detention as per legal procedure.
This explanation aims to clarify the circumstances behind Sowore's detention amid ongoing protests demanding his release.