Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore is preparing to take legal action against the Nigeria Police Force over what his lawyers describe as “inhumane treatment” during his recent detention.
In a statement issued Saturday by his counsel, Tope Temokun, Sowore’s legal team accused the police of breaking his arm during a violent attempt to forcibly move him from one cell to another at about 6 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The team rejected the police’s official account, which claimed Sowore arrived at their facility with a bandage, calling it “false, self-indicting, and illogical.” Temokun challenged the police to release the inventory of Sowore’s belongings taken at the time of his arrest to prove their claim.
According to the statement, Sowore was denied access to his own medical team and instead offered treatment by an unqualified first-aider, without X-rays or proper diagnosis. His refusal to be examined by police medical personnel, the lawyers said, was to prevent “manipulation of evidence” by those accused of causing the injury.
The legal team also criticised the police for ignoring other allegations, including the alleged theft of Sowore’s Ray-Ban AI glasses by an officer, while quickly issuing public denials over the assault claims.
Temokun argued that Sowore’s refusal to write a statement, cited by police as justification for his detention, is within his constitutional rights. The team cited Section 35(2) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 60(1) of the Police Act 2020.
“The fact remains unshaken: Omoyele Sowore’s arm was broken in police custody, under their control. We will pursue all appropriate legal remedies, including petitions to the Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission,” Temokun said.
Sowore was released on Friday evening after two days in custody. However, his legal team says a “full account” will be demanded from all officers involved.