The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has given reasons for the continued detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle said Sowore was detained after he allegedly refused to make a statement during a police interrogation, despite the presence of his legal team.
Sowore had honoured an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday but was not released afterward. His detention has since sparked protests in several parts of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo, with supporters calling for his immediate release.
According to Shogunle, the activist is facing two separate petitions: one concerning the alleged forgery and publication of a police document, and the other involving accusations of cyberbullying.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence,” Shogunle said in a video streamed by Sahara Reporters.“One bordered on forgery of a police document which he published online. The law is clear: it is your responsibility to disclose how you came about such a document. The second petition relates to cyberbullying.”
The CP clarified that while Sowore had the constitutional right to remain silent, the police also had legal procedures to follow in such situations.
“He refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record,” Shogunle said.“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the authority to act accordingly when a suspect refuses to respond to allegations.”
Responding to concerns about the legality of holding Sowore beyond the constitutionally permitted 24-hour window, Shogunle insisted the police were operating within the law.
“We are professionals. The procedures under Nigerian law are being followed. Everything required to keep someone in custody legally is being done,” he said.
He also offered to allow some of the protesters to visit the activist and verify that he was not being mistreated while in custody.
“The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came of his own free will, and when he refused to make a statement, an order for his arrest was given,” Shogunle concluded.
