The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network condemns the unlawful detention and alleged assault of activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding his immediate release, medical care, and an independent probe. They hold the IGP accountable, warning of nationwide peaceful protests if Sowore’s constitutional rights continue to be violated.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network
FREE SOWORE NOW: Police Brutality and Detention Must End
IGP Will Be Held Accountable for Activist’s Safety and Constitutional Rights
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network condemns the continued unlawful detention and alleged assault of prominent activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force, demanding his immediate release and calling for accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement.
Disturbing Reports of Police Brutality
Sowore, who voluntarily honored a police invitation on Wednesday 6 August 2025, has since been subjected to what sources describe as severe physical assault by at least eight police officers at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja. According to credible reports, the attack occurred at approximately 6:00 AM when a team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police stormed his detention cell.
“They broke his right hand,” confirmed a source close to the activist. “He refused to be taken away without his clothes, and that’s when they pounced on him.”
The activist was subsequently forcibly relocated to an undisclosed location, raising serious concerns about his safety and wellbeing.
Constitutional Violations and Abuse of Process
We have identified multiple procedural and constitutional infractions in Sowore’s case:
• Conflict of Interest: The police are acting as both complainant and investigator, violating principles of natural justice• Questionable Petitions: Two petitions were presented by DCP Akin Fakorede, including one alleging forgery and another claiming “Criminal Defamation” by Bukola Yemisi Kuti (promoted to ACP under controversial circumstances)• Passport Seizure: Earlier this year, authorities seized Sowore’s international passport through court proceedings• Political Motivation: The targeting appears to be retaliation for Sowore’s continued exposure of corruption in Nigerian governance and law enforcementPattern of Harassment and Intimidation
This latest incident represents an escalation in what appears to be a systematic campaign of harassment against Sowore for his advocacy work. The activist has consistently stood against injustice affecting police officers and the broader Nigerian public, making him a target for those seeking to silence dissent.
Immediate Demands
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network makes the following demands:
1. Sowore must be released unconditionally or formally charged in court within constitutional timeframes2. Immediate access to proper medical care for injuries sustained during the alleged assault3. We call for an Independent investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the assault4. The Inspector General of Police must be held responsible for these violations of human rights and due process. We call for the immediate sack of IGP EgbetokunCall to Action
We call upon all Nigerians who value justice and constitutional rights to stand with Sowore during this critical time. The Nigerian people, for whom Sowore has consistently advocated, must not remain silent in the face of such blatant abuse of power.
If the Nigeria Police Force fails to release Omoyele Soworeimmediately, we will mobilize Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest against the Inspector General of Police.
Furthermore, we demand the immediate removal of the Inspector General of Police if he continues to abuse his public office and violate the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.
About the Workers and Youth Solidarity Network
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network is committed to defending human rights, promoting social justice, and ensuring accountability in governance across Nigeria.
Secretary
Comrade Iortyom Moses
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network
This press release is available for immediate publication and distribution.
