Abuja, Nigeria – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has allegedly been moved in secret from police custody to an undisclosed location, with reports emerging that his arm was broken during a physical altercation with police officers.
According to Sahara Reporters, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after Sowore voluntarily honored a police summons issued by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Alleged Assault and Secret Transfer
A source close to the activist told Sahara Reporters that Sowore was forcibly taken from the custody of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The source claimed the removal was led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) reportedly linked to Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.
“His location is unknown. A CSP who works with Muyiwa Adejobi came this morning and forcefully took him away from the FID office… after breaking his hand,” the source alleged.
The source further stated that the altercation occurred after Sowore insisted on being properly dressed before being moved — a request the officers allegedly ignored. The resistance reportedly led to a physical scuffle during which Sowore’s arm was broken.
Initial Detention and Police Summons
Sowore was first detained on Wednesday after arriving at the Force Headquarters in Abuja at 12:16 p.m., accompanied by lawyers A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, along with supporters from the Take It Back Movement.
The activist had carried a travel bag packed with personal essentials, suggesting he anticipated being detained. Despite previously describing the police invitation as “defective and riddled with legal errors,” he honored the summons.
While in custody, Sowore took to his verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that he had been served with two petitions: one alleging forgery and the other alleging criminal defamation.
He claimed the petitions were delivered by DCP Akin Fakorede, a controversial former SARS officer, and that the defamation petition was filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, whom Sowore alleged had been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) due to her “relationship” with IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“The notorious former SARS officer, DCP Akin Fakorede, presented two petitions… One alleging forgery and the other written by Bukola Yemisi Kuti,” Sowore wrote.
Public Outcry and Protest Threats
The Take It Back Movement and allied civil rights groups have issued a two-hour ultimatum to the police, demanding Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release. Failure to do so, they warn, will trigger nationwide protests.
This latest incident has added fuel to long-standing accusations that Nigerian authorities are using state institutions to stifle dissent and target outspoken critics.
As of the time of this report, Sowore’s exact whereabouts remain unknown, and the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations of assault and secret relocation.
Background
Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced multiple arrests and prosecutions in recent years. He remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal critics of corruption, police brutality, and state repression.
His continued clashes with security agencies have sparked national and international concern about freedom of expression and rule of law in Nigeria.
