- Some Nigerians also took to the streets on Friday to protest the treatment of the activist and demand his release
The Nigerian police force has broken its silence regarding the arrest and detention of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore, who is the publisher of Sahara Reporter, was detained at the police headquarters on Thursday after honouring an invitation.
His detention has sparked outrage with influential politicians like former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, calling it an abuse of power.
Some Nigerians also took to the streets on Friday to protest the treatment of the activist and demand his release.
Reacting to the furore, the Commissioner of Police for Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle disclosed that Sowore is being detained because he refused to make a statement.
Abayomi made the disclosure while addressing the protesters and the press in Abuja, on Friday.
According to him, Sowore’s arrest and detention were ordered after the activist allegedly refused to make a statement upon police interrogation.
In a video streamed by Sahara Reporters from the Force Headquarters, the CP said there were two petitions against the activist.
He said one of the petitions has to do with forgery while the second one hinged on cyberbullying
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record.
“And the procedure under the Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, you have a duty to put down your own position,” the CP said
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