Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has strongly condemned the alleged unlawful detention and assault of activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 8, 2025, Falana described the treatment meted out to Sowore while in police custody as a clear violation of his constitutional rights. He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged abuse and urged the authorities to ensure accountability in accordance with Nigerian law.
“As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence,” Falana stated. “However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person as guaranteed by Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). To that extent, he is entitled to humane treatment in the custody of the police.”
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and longtime legal representative of Sowore, emphasised that any form of physical or psychological abuse in police custody contravenes the Anti-Torture Act of 2017. He demanded that the officers involved be identified and prosecuted under the law.
“We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017,” he said. He also urged that Sowore be released immediately to enable him to seek urgent medical care.
The Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of this report.
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