The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the alleged assault and threat to the life of Omoyele Sowore, National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), while in police custody.
Sowore, who was also the AAC presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, was arrested after honoring an invitation at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters. He was released on Friday evening, with the police yet to disclose any formal charges against him.
In the petition signed by IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, the council condemned the treatment of Sowore, describing the incident as having "once again painted the police in a negative light."
"We as an Association of all registered Political Parties in Nigeria hereby write this petition on behalf of Mr. Omoyele Sowore for the events of the last few days, which has led to alleged assault on his person while in your custody," the petition stated.
IPAC further alleged that images from the incident "suggest a premeditated action by your men to either maim and/or kill him in detention," describing such conduct as "a violation of his Fundamental Human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended)."
The council demanded that officers involved in the alleged assault be dismissed and prosecuted. Additionally, IPAC insisted that if investigations reveal Sowore committed any offense, he should be properly charged to court rather than being detained "beyond the time allowed by the Constitution."
Following his release, Sowore claimed he was denied access to medical care after sustaining injuries while in custody. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Ohanaeze Youth wing has also warned that Sowore's arrest and detention could potentially lead to civil unrest if not properly addressed by authorities.
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