Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Sowore, who arrived at the Force Headquarters around noon with a travel bag, was taken into custody shortly after his arrival. According to Premium Times, the police did not provide any official complaint or show the petition against him at the time of his detention.
A previous letter from the police had accused Sowore of “inciting disturbance,” but a new letter sent to his lawyer on Monday replaced the charge with allegations of forgery and criminal defamation, Sahara Reporters revealed.
The arrest has sparked outrage among civil society groups. Amnesty International described the detention as arbitrary and politically motivated, calling for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Omoyele Sowore,” the human rights group said, citing his prolonged harassment and intimidation by the police.
Sowore has faced a series of legal battles and detentions since 2019 due to his activism. In November 2019, Amnesty International declared him a Prisoner of Conscience after he was detained for organising a peaceful protest.
In a January 2025 report, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) disclosed how police previously detained Sowore and demanded both his international passport and a Level 17 civil servant as a guarantor before considering bail.
His legal team has vowed to challenge the latest detention in court.
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