Nigeria Police Finally Reveals Why Omoyele Sowore is Still in Detention

Abuja - The Nigeria Police Force has broken its silence on the continued detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, revealing that his refusal to make a statement is the reason he remains in custody.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, addressed a crowd of protesters and journalists on Friday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, stating that Sowore is being held over two separate petitions - one for alleged forgery of a police document and the other for cyberbullying.

According to Shogunle, both petitions were presented to Sowore in the presence of his lawyers. The first accuses the Sahara Reporters publisher of forging a police document, which was subsequently published online, while the second relates to alleged online harassment.

"The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying," Shogunle explained.

He further stated that despite being confronted with the petitions, Sowore refused to make a formal statement, even with his lawyers present.

"The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record. And the procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you have a duty to put down your own position," the CP said.

Sowore's arrest has sparked outrage from activists, political allies, and civil society groups, with many describing his detention as politically motivated and calling for his unconditional release.

As of press time, the activist remains in police custody, with rights groups warning that the development could escalate into a wider confrontation between security agencies and pro-democracy advocates.