Supporters of former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore clashed with police in Abuja yesterday during his interrogation at the Force Intelligence Department (FID). Sowore was summoned to answer allegations of resisting public officers, cyberstalking, and disobedience to lawful orders. He claims these accusations are politically motivated, stemming from his outspoken criticism of the tenure extension of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The interrogation, overseen by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Dasuki Galandachi, included a discussion of a possible bail offer, contingent on the outcome of the investigation. However, Sowore refused to provide a written statement, citing concerns that the questions were designed to implicate him. A source present during the proceedings revealed that when threatened with court action for his non-compliance, Sowore asked for the identity of the court but was not provided with an answer.
Accompanied by his lawyers, Marshal Abubakar and Deji Adeyanju, Sowore also refused to accept bail conditions he deemed compromising to his integrity. The police summons was linked to a viral video shared by Sowore, which exposed alleged police extortion along Airport Road in Lagos. This video had drawn significant public attention and was used by Sowore to highlight police misconduct.
In response to Sowore’s interrogation, a group of his supporters gathered outside the FID, protesting what they perceived as an attempt to silence him. Police officers dispersed the crowd as tensions rose. Sowore alleged that the police intended to detain him and transport him to Lagos for a trial he deemed unjust, labeling the charges as fabricated and based on vague, unsubstantiated claims.
While the Nigeria Police Force stated that the investigation related to crimes allegedly committed in Lagos, Sowore maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to intimidation tactics due to his vocal criticism of the police leadership and his ongoing fight for accountability.
Sowore further expressed his frustration with the investigation, claiming that the police relied on information primarily sourced from the internet. He stated, “When I asked for specifics regarding the alleged crime in Lagos, they responded vaguely, mentioning Airport Road. I chose not to provide a written statement, as there was no defined crime to address.”
He added that, after a brief break, the police informed him they were awaiting instructions from their superiors and that they intended to detain him and transport him to Lagos. Sowore reiterated that his actions were driven by his belief that the Inspector-General’s tenure extension was illegal and vowed to continue the fight for justice in the new year.
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