Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody.
Sowore was detained on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after honouring a police summons over comments he made regarding recent promotions in the Nigeria Police Force. He had alleged that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was favouring close aides in the exercise.
The detention came amid Sowore’s long-standing criticism of the IGP, particularly over the extension of Egbetokun’s tenure, which Sowore insists should have ended last year but is now set to run until 2027.
Confirming his release in a statement on Thursday night, Sowore accused the police of unlawful detention but commended the solidarity of his supporters.
“The Nigerian Police Force has finally capitulated to the demands of our revolutionary movement. After subjecting me to an unjust, unwarranted, and entirely unlawful detention, they had no choice but to release me tonight,” he wrote.
“However, this is not a victory to be celebrated with fanfare. It is simply a reminder that when we stand together and refuse to bow, even the most oppressive institutions are forced to bend or break.
“I am deeply grateful to every one of you who refused to look away, particularly our strong and ever-firm legal team, the advocates for justice, and the resisters who marched on the streets through this ordeal.”
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