The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations from activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, that officers tortured him during his detention.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said on Friday that Sowore’s arrest followed credible allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences under investigation. He stressed that the arrest complied with Nigeria’s constitution and that officers respected Sowore’s rights throughout the process.
Sowore honoured an invitation to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on Wednesday, where officers detained him at Force Headquarters in Abuja. He regained his freedom on Friday. In a Facebook post, he described the detention as “illegal and unjust.”
While in detention, Sowore appeared in a live-streamed video. He claimed police officers broke his hand and refused to provide him with a doctor. According to him, they brought a nurse instead. He also alleged that media personnel were brought in rather than medical staff.
Police Deny Assault and Explain Arrest
The police called these claims “deliberate disinformation” aimed at damaging the Force’s image and the IGP’s reputation. Adejobi said a valid court remand order authorised the arrest. He stressed that the case was not politically motivated.
“The Nigeria Police Force has a zero-tolerance policy for torture,” Adejobi said. “We operate under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and respect international human rights laws.”
Adejobi also addressed the viral photo showing Sowore with a bandaged hand. He said Sowore brought the bandage with him when he came for questioning.
After seeing Sowore wear the bandage in custody, the IGP ordered an internal probe. The investigation aimed to discover how he accessed it during detention, especially as he refused to see police medical teams.
Adejobi said the investigation reflected the IGP’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in detainee management.
Medical Checks Declined Twice
Two separate medical teams tried to examine Sowore. The first visit was on 7 August 2025, led by the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital’s medical director. The second was on 8 August, led by the Force Medical Officer. Sowore refused both examinations.
“We officially documented these refusals,” Adejobi said. “We respect his right to decline, but records must show we offered independent medical checks twice.”
The police said they released Sowore on bail within the 48-hour period allowed under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution. They informed him of all charges and expect him to appear in court in the coming days.
Adejobi emphasised that the detention was lawful and based on a valid court order. He insisted that every step taken in the case was legal and free from bias.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The police urged journalists, civil society groups, and the public to verify information before sharing it. “Sensationalism undermines public trust and disrupts ongoing investigations,” Adejobi warned.
Supporters of Sowore have continued to call for accountability, while the police maintain that their actions followed the law. The case is set for a court hearing, where both sides will present their evidence. The outcome will determine the credibility of the torture claims and the validity of the police’s actions.
