Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, has chosen to remain in detention after rejecting the bail conditions set by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). The activist appeared at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja on January 27, after being summoned on charges including obstruction of public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, and cyberstalking.
The police invitation followed a viral video posted by Sowore, in which he accused police officers of extorting money at a Lagos checkpoint. According to Sowore, the bail conditions were unreasonable. The police required him to surrender his international passport and provide a Grade Level 17 officer, equivalent to a permanent secretary, as surety.
In a post on his X handle, Sowore explained his decision: “The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of FID, Dasuki Galandachi, informed me that I’ve been granted administrative bail. However, if unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will remain in detention until I am charged to court.”
Sowore also posted: “The Nigeria Police Force has asked me to deposit my international passport and provide a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor. I have declined these conditions and chosen to stay in custody.”
Accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, Sowore arrived at the FID headquarters at 9:56 a.m. Meanwhile, outside the building, protesters from the Take It Back movement gathered, demanding an end to police extortion.
A flier circulated on social media under the hashtag #OccupyForceHeadquarters, calling for police accountability. It featured images of Sowore and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun side by side.
This legal issue adds to Sowore’s ongoing confrontations with the Nigerian authorities. He faces charges of “acts intended to cause grievous harm” and “refusal to assist public servants.” A letter from the FID instructed him to report for questioning on the morning of January 27.
The incident has sparked a wave of protests, highlighting ongoing concerns about freedom of expression and police conduct in Nigeria. Sowore’s detention further emphasizes the growing tension between activists and state authorities.
