Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been transferred secretly from the custody of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja to an undisclosed location by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The development follows Sowore’s detention on Wednesday evening after he honoured a police invitation over allegations of forgery and criminal defamation.

According to a source who spoke with SaharaReporters on Thursday, the activist was taken from the FID premises around 6:00 a.m., allegedly by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) linked to the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.

The source said, “His location is unknown. A CSP who works with Muyiwa Adejobi came this morning and forcefully took him away from the FID office… after breaking his hand.”

The source alleged that the officer had attempted to remove Sowore from custody without allowing him to get appropriately dressed, a move the activist resisted.

“He wasn’t going to go out of the place without wearing his clothes,” the source added, claiming that this led to a scuffle during which Sowore’s arm was broken.

Sowore had arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja at exactly 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday, accompanied by his lawyers, A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, and a large number of supporters.

He carried a visibly packed travel bag containing toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, books, and clothing — a gesture that suggested he anticipated being detained.

Supporters from the Take It Back Movement and other allied groups reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to the police to release Sowore or face mass protest.

Detention Follows ‘Defective’ Police Invitation

Sowore, who initially rejected the police’s invitation, described it as “defective and riddled with legal errors.” Despite this, he honoured the summons but was immediately detained upon arrival.

In a post on his 𝕏 handle while still in custody, Sowore disclosed that he had been handed two petitions — one for forgery and another for criminal defamation.

The petitions were delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, a former SARS officer with a controversial past.

“The notorious former SARS officer, DCP Akin Fakorede presented two petitions to me from the illegal IGP’s office — one alleging forgery, and the other written by Bukola Yemisi Kuti,” Sowore wrote.

According to Sowore, the second petition was filed by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, whom he claimed was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) due to her “relationship” with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“Kuti, who was promoted to ACP because she’s mistress, alleges ‘criminal defamation,’” he claimed.