A peaceful protest took place today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where demonstrators demanded the immediate release of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore. The protesters described sowore’s continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his constitutional rights.

Speaking at the protest, Sowore’s legal counsel, Barrister Alex Oketa, said his client has the legal right to remain silent during police interrogations, a right protected under Nigerian law. He stated that Sowore was not obligated to make any statement and that the police are required to follow due legal procedures in such circumstances. Barrister Oketa further accused the police of detaining Sowore beyond the legally allowed timeframe, calling the action a breach of constitutional limits. He urged the police to respect the rule of law, warning that any violation of constitutional rights undermines democracy and threatens the integrity of the justice system.

He called on law enforcement officers to carry out their duties in line with the Constitution and to protect the rights of citizens, rather than violate them. The Commissioner of Police, Special Investigation Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, who responded on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, confirmed that two petitions were filed against Sowore, one for alleged forgery of police documents and another for cyberbullying.

He said the allegations were formally presented to Sowore in the presence of his lawyers and that he was asked to make a written statement in line with legal requirements. According to Shogunle, Sowore declined to make any statement, and his detention was carried out with legal representation present.He added that the matter has no connection to Sowore’s political activities or human rights work, and assured the public that Sowore remains in safe custody, with access granted to his representatives. The police maintain that due process is being followed, while Sowore’s legal team and supporters continue to demand his release, insisting that his detention is unlawful.