The outspoken human rights activist and former presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore regained his freedom Friday evening, ending a 48-hour ordeal at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Sowore, who flew the flag of the African Action Congress in the 2023 presidential race, had voluntarily responded to an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit on Wednesday. What was expected to be a routine interaction quickly turned into detention that stretched into Friday.
Breaking his silence through a Facebook post, the activist did not mince words about his experience. He branded the detention as both “illegal and unjust” while declaring that the Nigeria Police Force had “capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement.”
“I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up!” Sowore wrote to his followers.
The timing of his release proved significant, coming just hours after solidarity protests erupted across five states. His supporters had taken to the streets Friday, mounting pressure for his immediate release.
Despite regaining his freedom, Sowore struck a measured tone, suggesting the circumstances surrounding his detention left little room for celebration while expressing gratitude to those who stood by him during the two-day saga.
