Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reportedly issued a directive concerning the detention of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore has been in police custody since Wednesday, August 6, after honouring an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the AGF’s intervention may be aimed at de-escalating public tension ahead of planned nationwide protests by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, an organisation consisting of supporters of Sowore.
The protests, set for Friday, August 8, are in response to what the group describes as “unlawful detention and political persecution.”
Despite the reported order from the AGF, Sowore was still being held as of Thursday evening. He was allegedly transferred from the Force Intelligence Department to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility in Abuja, where he was reportedly detained alongside criminal suspects, including alleged killer herdsmen.
Earlier on Thursday, reports emerged that Sowore was physically assaulted by a team of officers led by a Chief Superintendent of Police. He reportedly sustained injuries during the encounter and refused medical attention from a police nurse, insisting on being treated only by his doctor.
Police authorities have cited allegations of forgery and incitement against Sowore, but supporters argue the arrest lacks legal basis and accuse security agencies of political intimidation.