Adeyanju Firmly Denounces Sowore’s Unlawful Detention
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju has decisively condemned the unlawful detention of human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore. Sowore’s detention is a direct result of his courageous act of uploading a viral video that exposes alleged extortion by the Nigerian Police Force at a Lagos checkpoint.
In a pointed statement to the media in Abuja, Adeyanju declared that Sowore has met all legal obligations set by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and demands to be treated with the respect he deserves after his prompt response to the police’s invitation for questioning.
He called on President Bola Tinubu and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this situation, asserting that justice must be served in accordance with the president’s renewed hope agenda for all Nigerians. Adeyanju urged all principled Nigerians, particularly public officials and political leaders, to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions and impede the nation’s progress.
Sowore assertively arrived at the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja on Monday at 9:58 a.m. to face several allegations following the police’s invitation. These allegations include resisting and obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, cyberstalking, and attempts to obstruct arrests.
The invitation letter from the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigerian Police Force explicitly stated: “This office is investigating a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking, in which your name featured prominently. You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Monday, 27th January 2025, at 10 a.m.”
By early Monday morning, heavily armed officers had barricaded roads leading to Force Headquarters to prevent any planned demonstrations against this unjust detention.
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