.Police defend Sowore’s continued detention

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator inLagos

Former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has berated the Nigeria Police over the arrest and continued detention of Omoyele Sowore, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power.”

But the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has defended the continued detention of human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Sowore, saying it followed due legal procedure.

In a statement, Obi said he was “deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore @YeleSowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force.”

“At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention.”

Obi stated that “his arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process.

“From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.”

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the legality and moral implications of such an arrest, saying, “To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”

Citing Plato, he said, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.

“When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but the moral conscience of the nation.”

Obi called on the authorities to act within the bounds of justice: “I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law.

“Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

Obi concluded with a call for equal application of the law: “It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens, regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment.”

Addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja, yesterday, Shogunle said Sowore was being held after allegedly refusing to make a statement during police interrogation, despite being shown two petitions filed against him in the presence of his lawyers.

According to the CP, one petition accused Sowore of forging a police document and publishing it online, while the second alleged cyberbullying. “It is your duty to provide a source of how you came about the forged document,” Shogunle said, adding that Sowore’s decision to remain silent triggered the arrest order.

Sowore, who honoured an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, was detained afterwards. His supporters have since staged protests in Lagos, Abuja, Osun and Oyo states, demanding his release.

The activist had recently led a demonstration calling for improved welfare for retired police officers and criticised the Nigeria Police Force over a recent promotion exercise.

Shogunle insisted that the detention was lawful, stressing that the police were acting in line with statutory procedures.

“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk,” he said.

Responding to questions on why Sowore was being held beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit, the CP maintained, “We are professionals, we are following the provisions of the law. Everything needed to be followed under the law in keeping somebody is being followed.”

He also offered to take a few protesters to see Sowore to confirm that he was not being mistreated. “The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” Shogunle said.

The post Obi Slams Police Over Sowore’s Arrest, Says It Is miscarriage of Justice appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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