On Monday, activist and politician Omoyele Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja at 9:58 a.m. to respond to an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force for questioning.
The invitation followed a viral video uploaded by Sowore alleging extortion by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos. The Force Intelligence Department summoned Sowore to address several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
The invitation letter, signed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, read in part:
“This office is investigating a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking, in which your name featured prominently.
“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Monday, 27th January 2025, at 10 a.m.”
As Sowore appeared at the Force Intelligence Department Complex, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were heavily barricaded by armed police officers equipped with anti-riot gear. The precautionary security measures were reportedly in response to a planned demonstration by Sowore’s supporters.
This development comes amid rising public interest following Sowore’s accusations of police extortion and the subsequent police reaction. No further updates on the outcome of the questioning have been released at the time of this report.
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