Prominent activist and legal practitioner, Barrister Tope Temokun, has raised concern over Omoyele Sowore’s safety in police custody. The police detained Sowore at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after he honoured their invitation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Officers reportedly refused to let him return home after the meeting.
Temokun, a member of Sowore’s legal team, criticised the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
He noted that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has recently faced public criticism from Sowore.
According to Temokun, this background raises serious fears for Sowore’s personal safety and legal rights.
Police Accused of Bias and Abuse of Power
Temokun noted that Sowore’s arrest came after he openly criticised the IGP for alleged cronyism and questionable police promotions.
Sowore had led a protest on July 21, 2025, with other citizens and retired officers.
They demanded better working conditions and improved post-retirement benefits for police officers.
During the protest at Force Headquarters, someone reportedly stole Sowore’s AI-powered Ray-Ban eyeglasses.
Temokun identified the suspect as Mr. Aku Victor Chiemerie, who allegedly has links to the police.
Despite multiple petitions and clear identification, the authorities have failed to take meaningful action, Temokun said.
Legal Team Questions Fairness of Police Actions
According to Temokun, the Nigeria Police Force itself filed the only formal petition currently pending against Sowore. This development, he emphasized, creates a conflict of interest where the police acts as both accuser and detainer.
“How can Sowore receive a fair investigation when the complainant is also the detaining authority?” Temokun asked.
He further alleged that the Inspector General has turned the Nigeria Police Force into a tool for personal vendetta, targeting Sowore for his outspoken criticism of the institution.
Call for Immediate Release and Justice
Temokun stressed that Sowore’s detention lacks moral and legal justification. He demanded not only the activist’s immediate release but also the return of his stolen AI-powered eyewear.
He concluded by warning that any harm to Sowore in police custody would be met with public accountability. “If anything happens to Sowore while in detention, the Inspector General must answer to the Nigerian people,” he warned.
The call for justice and transparency in Sowore’s arrest and detention raises urgent concerns about police accountability and democratic rights in Nigeria. As public pressure builds, all eyes are on the Nigeria Police to ensure that due process is upheld and Sowore’s safety guaranteed.
