Abuja, 7 August 2025 – Prominent Nigerian activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly suffered a broken arm following a confrontation with police officers during his detention in Abuja. The incident, which occurred early this morning, has sparked outrage among human rights groups and supporters, who are demanding his immediate release and an investigation into the alleged mistreatment.
According to multiple reports, Sowore was forcibly removed from his cell at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) around 6 a.m. by a team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit. The officers, numbering nine and including eight heavily armed personnel, claimed they were transferring him to court. However, when Sowore requested to see the charges against him and contact his lawyers, he was handled roughly, resulting in his right arm being broken. He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed police facility, raising concerns about his safety and whereabouts.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore detailed the ordeal: “This morning at 6 AM, a police team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police from the IGP Monitoring unit forcibly gained entry into Omoyele Sowore’s cell at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja claiming they were taking him to court, the team of nine officers, including eight heavily armed personnel, handled Sowore roughly when he asked to see the charges and notify his lawyers, breaking his arm in the process, before taking him to another police facility.” The post, which has garnered thousands of views and reactions, called for the resignation of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, using the hashtag #EgbetokunMustGo.
Sources close to Sowore provided further context, stating that the injury occurred when he resisted being moved without his personal belongings, including clothing. “His hand is currently broken because when the officer came this morning, he was ready to take him out of the cell without his clothes, but Sowore had to resist and said he wasn’t going to go out of the place without wearing his clothes,” an unnamed source told Sahara Reporters. The CSP involved is reportedly associated with Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, though no official confirmation of this link has been provided.
Sowore’s detention stems from an invitation he honoured on 6 August, arriving at the FID headquarters with a travel bag, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and other essentials, anticipating a prolonged stay. He was accompanied by lawyers and supporters who chanted slogans against the government. The police had summoned him over allegations of forgery and criminal defamation, based on petitions including one from Assistant Commissioner of Police Bukola Yemisi Kuti. Critics, including Sowore, have described the charges as “dubious” and politically motivated, linked to his vocal criticism of the administration and calls for protests.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who shared similar details on X, has been among those amplifying the incident, highlighting the rough handling and lack of due process. Effiong’s post, made shortly after the event, mirrors accounts from Sowore’s camp and has contributed to widespread calls for accountability.
Reactions have been swift and condemnatory. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged assault, stating: “We stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore and demand that the Nigerian authorities take urgent steps to guarantee his safety, dignity, and fundamental rights.” The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and Arewa Youth Ambassadors also called for Sowore’s release, describing his detention as persecution. Amnesty International condemned the arrest, urging his unconditional release.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official response to the allegations of injury or mistreatment. Searches for statements from the Force Public Relations Officer yielded no comments on this specific incident, though the police have previously refuted unrelated claims by Sowore regarding the IGP’s tenure.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, has a history of clashes with authorities, including a high-profile arrest in 2019. His supporters fear this latest episode signals an escalation in efforts to silence dissent amid ongoing economic protests in Nigeria.
