The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims of torture against rights activist Omoyele Sowore, currently in detention, stating that his arrest and detention were lawful and carried out in strict compliance with constitutional safeguards.
In a statement issued late Friday night by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police said Sowore was arrested based on “credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.”
The police said, the arrest was effected in line with extant legal provisions, with due process observed. According to the statement,Sowore, was released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit in accordance with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The statement added that he was also fully aware of the allegations and informed of the charges, and was expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days.
The Force dismissed as “false and grossly misleading” reports suggesting Sowore was tortured or subjected to inhuman treatment. It reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for torture in compliance with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and relevant international human rights instruments.
The Police also addressed a viral image of Sowore with a bandaged arm, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
The statement said the bandage was part of Sowore’s personal belongings before his arrest. It added that the Inspector-General of Police ordered an internal investigation into how he accessed it in custody, especially as Sowore refused to undergo medical examination by independent teams deployed by the Police.
The statement added “In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on 7th August 2025. Mr. Sowore declined the evaluation. A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on 8th August 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect. These refusals are officially documented,” the statement read.
The Force stressed that Sowore’s continued detention was not arbitrary but based on a valid remand order from a competent court. It said all actions taken in the case were backed by legal authority and devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones.
The Police urged the media, civil society, and the public to be diligent and responsible in their reporting, warning against sensationalism driven by personal vendettas against the Police leadership.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and justice, the statement said no individual is above the law and promised further updates as investigations progress.
