Nigeria Police Force has dismissed allegations that activist Omoyele Sowore was tortured while in custody, describing the claims as “false and grossly misleading.”
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Sowore was lawfully arrested over “credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.”
Adejobi noted that Sowore was released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional window as stipulated by Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
Reacting to viral images showing Sowore with a bandaged arm, the police spokesperson said, the bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the Police’s invitation before his arrest and detention.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) ordered an internal investigation into how Sowore accessed the bandage in custody, especially as he consistently refused to undergo medical examination by the independent teams deployed by the Police.
According to the statement, two medical examinations were arranged on August 7 and 8, 2025 led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer respectively, but Sowore declined both. It added that the refusals are officially documented.
The force PRO stressed that Sowore’s continued detention is “anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court” and urged the media to avoid sensationalism.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice without fear or favour.
The statement added. “ No individual—regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach—is above the law.”
Adejobi noted that further updates on this matter will be provided as investigations proceed in accordance with due process.
