JUST IN; Sowore rejects police bail conditions, chooses to remain in Police custody
JUST IN; Sowore rejects police bail conditions, chooses to remain in Police custody
Omoyele Sowore, a former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist, has declined to accept the terms of the Nigerian police’s bail and chose to stay in detention.
The decision was made after he was told that he would have to give up his international passport and furnish a Grade Level 17 officer, which is the equivalent of a permanent secretary, as surety in order to be released on bail.
Sowore had arrived at the police headquarters in Abuja early Monday morning after being summoned for questioning regarding a viral video he posted, which accused police officers of extorting motorists at a checkpoint in Lagos.
As he made his way to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), the area surrounding the Force Headquarters was heavily barricaded, with roads blocked from both ends.
The police had issued a formal invitation to Sowore, outlining several charges against him, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.
After his questioning, Sowore posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, had informed him that he would be granted bail pending the conclusion of the investigation.
However, Sowore made it clear that he would not accept the bail if the conditions were unreasonable.
“I have been informed by the DIG of FID that my bail has been approved, but if the conditions are unreasonable, I will remain in detention until I am charged to court,” Sowore wrote.
“I know there is no defined crime to investigate—it’s just the impunity of the police hierarchy.”
Later, Sowore reiterated his stance by rejecting the bail conditions outright.
“The Nigeria Police Force has requested that I deposit my International Passport and provide a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor for bail, but I have declined these conditions and opted to remain in police custody,” he declared.
Sowore, who had arrived at the Force Intelligence Department at around 9:56 a.m., was accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, including members of the Take It Back Movement.
The group had earlier circulated a flier on social media, calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters, urging supporters to “Occupy Force Headquarters.”
In the official invitation from the FID, Sowore was informed that he was being investigated for multiple offenses, including obstructing public officers, cyberstalking, and preventing arrests.
He was instructed to attend an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Force Intelligence Department at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Outside the FID premises, members of the Take It Back Movement gathered, waiting for updates on Sowore’s situation, as the activist continues to challenge what he views as the unjust actions of the police.
