By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has provided an official explanation for the ongoing detention of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Addressing journalists and protesters in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle stated that Sowore’s detention followed his alleged refusal to make a statement during interrogation at the Force Headquarters.
Sowore, who voluntarily appeared before the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit in Abuja on Wednesday, was detained shortly after. His supporters have since taken to the streets in Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Oyo, demanding his release.
Shogunle revealed that two separate petitions had been filed against the activist. “One borders on the alleged forgery of a police document which he published online,” he said, adding that the burden of proof lies with Sowore to explain the source of the document. The second petition accuses him of cyberbullying.
According to the CP, both petitions were shown to Sowore in the presence of his legal team. “He was not forced to make a statement. But when a suspect decides to remain silent, the police are still empowered by law to proceed appropriately,” he said.
When pressed by a lawyer about why Sowore was being held beyond the constitutionally allowed 24 hours, Shogunle maintained that the force was acting within the bounds of Nigerian law. “We are professionals. All legal procedures regarding his detention are being followed,” he insisted.
He also dismissed claims of mistreatment, offering to take some protesters to see Sowore’s condition in custody. “The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came in voluntarily, and when he refused to make a statement, the arrest order was issued,” Shogunle concluded.
