Omoyele Sowore hits police headquarters for questioning

Michael Adesina

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has arrived at the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja in response to a police invitation for questioning.

The activist arrived at the force headquarters at 9:58 a.m. on Monday.

The invitation stemmed from a viral video Sowore uploaded, alleging extortion by police officers at a Lagos checkpoint.

Sowore was summoned to address multiple allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts intended to prevent arrests.

The Force Intelligence Department’s invitation letter highlighted the investigation into these allegations, stating that Sowore’s name featured prominently in the case.

In response to the summons, the Take It Back Movement circulated a social media flier calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters.

The flier, which gained significant traction on X (formerly Twitter), featured images of Sowore and the Inspector General of Police alongside bold red text reading, “Occupy Force Headquarters.”

By Monday morning, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were barricaded by heavily armed officers equipped with anti-riot gear, apparently in anticipation of the planned demonstration.

As of the latest update, Sowore remained at the Force Intelligence Department for the scheduled interview, while the situation outside the complex remained tense but under control.

Notably, this isn’t the first time Sowore has been involved in a demonstration at the Force Headquarters. In the past, he has participated in protests alongside civil societies, advocating for causes such as the release of detained journalists.