Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, has explained why Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate was detained.
Sowore had visited the police headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to honour an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit over a petition. He arrived with his lawyers and members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’.
However, he was taken into custody and remained detained as of Wednesday.
Addressing protesters and journalists in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle said Sowore was arrested and held after he allegedly refused to make a statement during police interrogation.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in my presence. One concerns forgery of a police document he published online, and the other relates to cyberbullying,” Shogunle said.
“He was asked to provide the source of the forged document but refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. This refusal is on record.”
He explained that while the law grants Sowore the right to remain silent, it also places certain obligations on the police when an accused person chooses not to speak.
“The procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are expected to state your own position,” Shogunle said.
“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police specific responsibilities when someone accused of an offence refuses to talk and you are aware of these provisions.
“I believe we are professionals, and the procedure laid down by law is being followed.”
When asked about detaining Sowore beyond the constitutionally stipulated 24 hours, Shogunle maintained that the police are complying with all legal provisions that allow them to keep a suspect in custody.
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