The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore was tortured in custody, insisting his recent arrest was lawful and based on “credible, corroborated allegations” of criminal offences, First Daily report.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Sowore was being investigated for alleged “forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions”.
According to the statement, Sowore was released on bail “well within the 48-hour constitutional window” in line with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Police said he had been fully informed of the charges and would appear in court in the coming days for a lawful and transparent judicial process.
On allegations of brutality, the NPF described them as “false and grossly misleading,” reiterating its “zero-tolerance policy for torture” under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
The Force stated that the viral image showing Sowore with a bandaged arm had been “mischievously presented to mislead the public, adding that the bandage was part of his personal belongings before his arrest.
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The Inspector-General of Police, the statement noted, had ordered an internal probe into how Sowore accessed it in detention, especially after he twice refused medical examination by independent Police medical teams on August 7 and 8.
“While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected,” Adejobi stated.
The NPF also emphasised that Sowore’s continued detention was “anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court and not arbitrary.
Urging media and civil society to avoid sensationalism, the statement added, “No individual—regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach—is above the law.”