The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports of torture and inhuman treatment of activist Omoyele Sowore, insisting his arrest and detention were lawful and carried out in full compliance with constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police described circulating claims as “falsehoods” aimed at maligning state institutions and the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
According to the statement, Sowore was arrested over “credible and corroborated” allegations of criminal offences, including forgery and cyberstalking. He was granted bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit as stipulated under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Police stressed that the activist was informed of the charges and is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days.
On viral images showing Sowore with a bandaged arm, the statement clarified that the bandage was among his personal belongings when he honoured the Police’s invitation, before his arrest. It added that the Inspector-General of Police ordered an internal investigation into how he accessed the bandage in custody, noting that Sowore twice refused medical examinations offered by independent Police medical teams on August 7 and 8, 2025.
The Force emphasised that his detention is backed by a valid court remand order and that every action taken has been lawful, transparent, and free of political bias.
The Police urged the public, civil society, and media to avoid sensationalism and verify facts before publication, reiterating their commitment to upholding human rights, due process, and the rule of law.