In the early hours of Thursday, Nigeria woke up to yet another worrying episode in its democracy — human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was allegedly assaulted by no fewer than eight police officers and forcibly relocated to an unknown location.
According to reports, the attack happened around 6 a.m. at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, where Sowore had been detained after honouring a police invitation. A source close to the activist confirmed that a team of officers led by a Chief Superintendent of Police stormed his cell and beat him severely. “They broke his right hand,” the source said. “He refused to be taken away without his clothes, and that’s when they pounced on him.”
The incident reportedly involved a unit from the IGP’s Monitoring Team led by DCP Akin Fakorede — a former SARS commander with a troubling history — and allegedly took place under the watch of Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi’s subordinate. This development adds yet another layer of controversy to what many are calling a politically orchestrated assault on civil liberties.
Sowore had arrived at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday fully aware of the risks. With a travel bag packed with basics — toothpaste, books, clothes — his appearance was symbolic: he was ready for unlawful detention. The activist had initially rejected the invitation, calling it “legally defective,” but later decided to honour it. Even with his lawyers present and supporters rallying outside, he was detained almost immediately upon arrival.
While in custody, Sowore said he was shown two petitions — one accusing him of forgery and another of criminal defamation, allegedly filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, an officer promoted to ACP under controversial circumstances. Both petitions, he claimed, were delivered from the “illegal office of the IGP” and handed over by the same DCP Fakorede.
Critics and civil society groups have decried the unfolding situation as state-sponsored repression. They argue that what started as a faulty police invitation over a non-existent charge of “inciting disturbance” has now escalated into full-blown political harassment. The quick switch in allegations — from incitement to forgery and defamation — appears to many as an act of desperation by the authorities to silence a persistent critic.
This is not the first time Sowore has been targeted by the state. His history of arrests, detentions, and brutal treatment by law enforcement continues to cast a shadow on Nigeria’s democracy. Activist groups, including Take It Back Movement, issued a two-hour ultimatum to the police, demanding his release or warning of mass mobilisation.
In the eyes of many, Thursday morning’s assault confirms their worst fears — that the Nigerian state is actively dismantling civil liberties. And in doing so, it isn’t just harming one man — it is sending a chilling message to every voice of dissent.
