Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has turned down the bail conditions set by the Nigeria Police Force after he was summoned for questioning regarding a viral video he shared.

In the video, Sowore exposed alleged police extortion on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

On Monday, Sowore took to his X account, revealing that he had rejected the bail condition, which required him to provide a Level 17 Permanent Secretary as surety.

Instead, he stated his decision to remain in police custody until the investigation is resolved.

He referred to the entire situation as a “joke,” suggesting he would stay detained until it concluded.

Earlier, Sowore disclosed that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) had informed him that personnel had been instructed to grant him bail.

However, the bail would only be granted pending the completion of the investigation into the case.

The police are investigating Sowore on various charges, including resisting public officers, obstructing justice, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and other related offenses.

These charges stem from his video that exposed police officers allegedly setting up roadblocks with the aim of soliciting bribes.

In another post, Sowore expressed his refusal to accept bail under conditions that compromised his dignity, innocence, and integrity.

He emphasized that if the police imposed unreasonable bail terms, he would opt to stay in detention until he was formally charged in court.

Sowore believes the charges lack merit and are driven by the police’s impunity.

Sowore also shared details of his previous meeting with the police, which he described as an “interview.”

He criticized the police for relying on vague and rehashed information, mainly from the internet.

When asked about the specifics of the alleged crime, the police struggled to provide clear answers, only mentioning the airport road as the location.

Sowore declined to give a written statement, stating that there was no defined crime to investigate.

After the meeting, the police took a break and later told Sowore that they were awaiting further instructions from their superiors.

He expressed concern that the authorities might be planning to take him to Lagos for a “kangaroo trial,” but he remained firm in his resolve to face any consequences.

Sowore also reiterated his stance on the current leadership of the Nigeria Police, particularly criticizing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his alleged illegal tenure extension.

Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to comply with a police summons.

Sowore, accompanied by his lawyer and supporters, arrived at the police headquarters at approximately 9:45 am on Monday.

This comes after the Nigeria Police Force summoned him for questioning regarding a viral video he posted, which alleged police extortion on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

The invitation, dated January 23, 2025, was issued by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID).

The letter stated, “This office is investigating a case involving resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, intimidation, reckless acts, refusal to assist a public servant, and cyberstalking, in which your name prominently featured.”

Sowore was directed to report to Room 212 of the FID Complex, located opposite the Force Headquarters in Abuja, by 10 a.m.

The letter also outlined that the invitation was within the police’s constitutional rights to investigate and reminded Sowore of his right to legal representation.

The controversial video shows Sowore confronting police officers at a checkpoint along the airport road, accusing them of extorting motorists and causing traffic congestion.

When Sowore’s vehicle approached the checkpoint, officers instructed him to pull over, leading to a tense exchange.

Sowore can be heard telling the officers, “You are not supposed to be causing traffic on the airport road. We are not parking. Go and bring your Oga. You people should calm down.” Despite his resistance, the officers initially blocked his car before one officer allowed him to proceed, though another officer muttered, “God punish you.”

Sowore responded in kind, saying, “God punish you too,” before driving off.

The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage. In response, the police initiated an investigation into the incident.

Sources revealed that the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, had been pushing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take action against Sowore for allegedly obstructing the officers during the confrontation.

This legal challenge adds to another ongoing case for Sowore, as he is due to appear in court on February 4, 2025, in a cybercrime case filed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Muhuyi Rimingado, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), has accused a suspect under investigation by his commission of using the police to orchestrate his arrest.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Rimingado explained that his arrest last week was tied to his role in leading the fight against corruption in Kano.

He described the incident as unsurprising, emphasizing that corruption fights back when it is challenged.

“Corruption is fighting back. When you fight corruption, corruption will fight back. Anti-corruption efforts may be fair, but the fight against corruption is often dirty,” Rimingado stated.

He revealed that three different federal agencies were involved in actions against him, indicating a coordinated effort targeting his work.

Rimingado explained that his arrest stemmed from an investigation into an alleged fraud involving the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO).

According to Rimingado, the investigation uncovered that nearly N4 billion in Kano State Government funds had been misappropriated by a public officer through several entities.

As part of the investigation, his commission seized assets in accordance with the law, and the matter was taken to court.

“After the arraignment and detention of the accused, they attempted to remove the exhibits of the crime, which is unlawful. We had to relocate the seized property to a secure location to prevent tampering until the court made its ruling,”.

“I believe this is what triggered the response against me.” he explained.

Rimingado claimed that the police were brought in when the suspects could not wait for the court to resolve the matter.

He said the officers who came to arrest him accused him of abuse of power, mischief, and trespass.

However, he questioned these allegations, affirming that his commission was legally empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

As of the time of the interview, the police had not issued any official statement on the situation.

The Enugu Chapter of the Noble Peace Club International has expressed its condolences following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred at Ugwuonyema along Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by the club’s chapter governor, Barr. Chime Chigbo (CAEZER), the organization extended its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the inferno.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families during this difficult time.”

The club also lauded the quick and decisive action of Governor Peter Mbah, whose swift response helped alleviate the impact of the disaster.

“We commend Governor Mbah for his prompt intervention and the support he has extended to the affected families,” the statement continued.

The Noble Peace Club International, Enugu Chapter, prayed for the souls of the departed to find eternal peace and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

“We pray that God grants eternal rest to those who have passed, and we remain hopeful that the survivors receive divine healing. Amen.”