Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has confirmed his release from police custody following a controversial detention by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Sowore announced his release and used the moment to call out the police and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), whom he described as “illegal.”
While thankful to his supporters, he stressed that the situation was far from over.
“The Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention,” he wrote.
“However, it is nothing to celebrate, work tongues, but I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore was arrested after he appeared at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, following a police invitation over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance.
However, reports quickly surfaced on Thursday that he was detained, prompting widespread backlash.
Images and videos shared after his release show Sowore surrounded by supporters, confirming his return from detention.
The situation drew strong condemnation from across the country and beyond.
Amnesty International alleged that the activist was subjected to violence by police officers during his time in custody.
According to the global rights organisation, Sowore was physically assaulted by security agents at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja at about 6 am Thursday.
“As a result, he sustained a severe injury on his left hand and has since been taken to an unknown location,” Amnesty International posted on its Facebook page.
It further demanded accountability, stating: “We are calling on Nigerian authorities to call the police to order and halt any further physical harm to Sowore.”
“He must be immediately given adequate medical care. Attempting to drag Sowore to a judicial process without recourse to his lawyer is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”
Reports also indicated that his hand was broken during an alleged attempt by officers to forcefully move him from custody to court.
Reacting to the development, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised Sowore’s detention, calling it an abuse of state authority.
In a post on X, Obi stated: “From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.
“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”
Obi had previously spoken out during a political programme aired on July 6, 2025, reiterating his support for democratic principles and civil liberties.
Public outrage over Sowore’s arrest was amplified by protests at both the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday.
Protesters, mostly clad in black and waving the Nigerian flag, demanded Sowore’s immediate release while chanting slogans critical of the government.
One of the demonstrators, speaking to journalists, said they were confronted by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who allegedly tried to intimidate them.
“We are exercising our fundamental constitutional rights.
We did not block any road; an Assistant Commissioner of Police is here to intimidate us. He came alongside a dog to attack us. We are here within the ambit of the law,” the protester declared.
Despite the attempt at intimidation, the protesters maintained their peaceful stance and continued their demand for justice.
