Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been secretly moved from the custody of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja to an undisclosed location by officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The transfer occurred under controversial circumstances early on Thursday, August 7, 2025, and has since raised concerns among supporters and human rights observers.
Sowore had been detained on the evening of Wednesday, August 6, after honouring a police invitation over allegations of forgery and criminal defamation. Despite initially describing the invitation as âdefective and riddled with legal errors,â the activist voluntarily presented himself at the Force Headquarters in Abuja at approximately 12:16 p.m., accompanied by his lawyers, A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, along with a significant number of supporters.
Witnesses say he arrived prepared for a possible detention, carrying a travel bag filled with personal items, including toiletries, clothes, and books. His arrest came immediately after his arrival, fueling further criticism from civil society groups and his political allies.
According to a report by SaharaReporters citing a confidential source, Sowore was forcibly removed from the FID facility around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday. The operation was reportedly led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) allegedly affiliated with Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi. The source alleged that the officer attempted to take Sowore without allowing him to get properly dressed, which led to resistance from the activist.
The resulting scuffle, the source claimed, led to Sowore sustaining a serious injury. âHe wasnât going to go out of the place without wearing his clothes,â the source said, alleging that Soworeâs arm was broken during the altercation. The incident has not yet been officially confirmed by police authorities, and the current whereabouts of Sowore remain unknown at the time of this report.
The forceful transfer and alleged assault have sparked outrage from Soworeâs supporters, particularly members of the Take It Back Movement and affiliated advocacy groups. Shortly after his arrest, these groups issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding his release, warning of potential mass protests if their demand was not met.
While still in custody, Sowore managed to post a message on his official đ (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that he had been served two petitions during his detention. The documents were reportedly presented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, a controversial former SARS officer with a contentious history.
One petition, Sowore stated, accuses him of forgery, while the second alleges criminal defamation. The latter was said to have been filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, whom Sowore claimed had recently been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). He further alleged that her promotion was linked to a personal relationship with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
âThe notorious former SARS officer, DCP Akin Fakorede, presented two petitions to me from the illegal IGPâs office â one alleging forgery, and the other written by Bukola Yemisi Kuti,â Sowore posted. âKuti, who was promoted to ACP because sheâs mistress, alleges âcriminal defamation,ââ he added.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any official statement either confirming Soworeâs transfer or responding to the allegations of physical assault. Neither the Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi nor the Inspector General of Police has publicly addressed the situation.
The unfolding developments have sparked renewed debates over the state of human rights in Nigeria and the conduct of law enforcement authorities. Sowore, a known critic of government abuse and advocate for civil liberties, has had multiple confrontations with Nigerian security agencies in the past, many of which have drawn international attention.
Legal analysts and rights groups have raised concerns about due process, transparency, and the potential abuse of state power in Soworeâs case. Calls are mounting for an independent investigation into the alleged assault, his current detention status, and the legal basis for the petitions presented against him.
At present, public anxiety continues to grow as no official communication has been made regarding Soworeâs condition or his present location. His legal team has also not provided an update since his alleged transfer. Supporters have vowed to continue demanding accountability and his immediate release from what they describe as arbitrary detention.
