The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was tortured in custody, insisting his arrest was lawful and carried out in line with constitutional provisions.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued on Friday, said Sowore was apprehended over “credible, corroborated allegations” involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under investigation.
“The arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect,” Adejobi stated.
According to the Police, Sowore was granted bail “well within the 48-hour constitutional window” in accordance with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and has been informed of the charges. He is expected to appear before a competent court in the coming days.
Adejobi described as “false and grossly misleading” reports that Sowore was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment, saying the Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture in line with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and international human rights obligations.
On a viral image showing Sowore with a bandaged arm, the Police explained that the bandage was part of his personal belongings before his arrest. Adejobi said an internal probe was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police to determine how Sowore accessed the item in detention after refusing medical examination by two separate independent Police medical teams.
“In the spirit of transparency, the Force dispatched a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—on 7th August 2025, but Mr. Sowore declined evaluation. A second medical team led by the Force Medical Officer on 8th August was also denied access. These refusals are officially documented,” the statement read.
The Police stressed that Sowore’s continued detention is based on a valid remand order from a competent court and not politically motivated.
Adejobi urged the media and civil society to “exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility” in reporting the matter, warning that sensationalism undermines public trust and ongoing investigations.
“No individual—regardless of their status, influence, or social media reach—is above the law,” the statement concluded.
