Sowore Regains Freedom After 2 Days in Police Detention

According to a report by The Guardian Nigeria, Friday, popular activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has regained his freedom after spending two days in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force at its headquarters in Abuja.

Sowore was detained on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after honouring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit. His detention followed petitions alleging his involvement in the forgery of a police document and acts of cyberbullying.

The activist announced his release in a live broadcast on his Facebook page on Friday night, expressing appreciation to Nigerians and civil society groups who stood in solidarity with him during the period of his incarceration.

Sowore extended special thanks to prominent political figures and human rights advocates who spoke out against his detention. Among those he mentioned were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and senior human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).

In his post-release statement, Sowore described his detention as “unjust, illegal, and unwarranted,” stressing that his release was the result of sustained pressure from Nigerians committed to protecting democratic freedoms.

“The Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal, and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up! #RevolutionNow,” he declared.

Sowore, known for his outspoken activism and consistent criticism of government policies, has had several run-ins with law enforcement agencies in the past, often linked to his role in mobilising protests under the #RevolutionNow campaign.

His arrest this week drew sharp criticism from rights groups and political leaders who accused the authorities of attempting to stifle dissent and muzzle free speech. Many observers argued that the allegations against him were politically motivated, citing a pattern of targeting vocal critics of government actions.

While details about the police investigation remain unclear, Sowore maintained that the charges were baseless and part of a broader effort to intimidate activists.

COURTESY: SkyNews24