Protesters have gathered at the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos State Police Command, demanding the release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. Many wore black and carried the national flag while chanting anti-government songs. They denied police claims of blocking roads and accused an Assistant Commissioner of Police of intimidation.
Sowore was detained on Thursday after visiting the Force Headquarters in Abuja to honour a police invitation. He is being investigated by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit for alleged forgery and inciting disturbance. Reports say he sustained a broken hand during an attempt to forcibly transfer him to court.
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Amnesty International has condemned the detention, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights. The group said police officers attempted to drag Sowore from his cell without his lawyer present and demanded his unconditional release, as well as access to medical care.
The arrest has drawn criticism from political leaders and civil society groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Peter Obi. Protesters in Lagos and Abuja say they will continue demonstrations until Sowore is freed.
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