Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to respect the fundamental human rights of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, describing his detention as unlawful and an abuse of power.
In a statement released on August 7, Idam emphasized that the offences for which Sowore was arrested—forgery, defamation, and cyberbullying—are all bailable and do not warrant detention prior to arraignment in court.
"The act of detaining and humiliating him as stated by his lawyers despite voluntarily availing himself to the police in obedience to his invitation is self-satisfying and an utter abuse of power especially that the Inspector General of Police is directly or indirectly personally affected," Idam stated.
The lawyer criticized the Inspector General of Police for what he described as "taking laws into his own hands" and "acting as a judge in his own case despite his grievances." He questioned why the police could not immediately charge Sowore upon his surrender if there was substance to the allegations against him.
"Mr. Sowore's rights to presumption of innocence and dignity of his human person as a citizen of Nigeria should be treated as superior to any consideration or an allegation made against him which has not been proved or substantiated," Idam emphasized.
The lawyer further condemned what he called the police practice of "humiliating and detaining a suspect to their enjoyment and satisfaction before trial, relying on a black-market court order." He insisted that Sowore must be accorded his fundamental rights regardless of "whose ox is gored."
Reports indicate that Sowore had voluntarily presented himself to the police headquarters with personal effects, including a travel bag, toothpaste, and soap, following an invitation from the authorities. According to some sources, the activist allegedly suffered a hand injury while in police custody.
Various civil society groups and the Nigeria Labour Congress have joined in demanding Sowore's immediate release, with some supporters threatening nationwide protests if he remains in detention.
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