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The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, that he was tortured while in detention, stating that his arrest was over alleged forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences.
Sowore was detained on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after honouring an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit and released on Friday within the 48-hour constitutional limit. In a Facebook post, he described the detention as “illegal and unjust” and alleged that police broke his hand and denied him proper medical care.
Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi dismissed the allegations as “deliberate disinformation” aimed at tarnishing the image of the Police and the Inspector-General. He said Sowore was arrested based on credible allegations and that due process was followed.
According to Adejobi, Sowore was released on bail in line with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution and is aware of the charges against him. He is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
The Police denied any form of torture, citing their zero-tolerance policy in line with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017. Adejobi said the viral image of Sowore with a bandaged arm was misleading, claiming the bandage was part of his personal belongings before his arrest.
He also disclosed that two medical teams were sent to examine Sowore—on August 7 and 8—but that he refused both evaluations. These refusals, Adejobi said, were officially documented.
The Police stressed that Sowore’s detention was backed by a valid court remand order and urged the media and civil society to avoid sensational reporting that could undermine public trust.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice without fear or favour,” the statement concluded.
