The Nigeria Police Force says it arrested human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences.
Police said Sowore was detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after honouring an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit on Wednesday. He was released on bail on Friday.
Sowore, in a Facebook post confirming his release, described his detention as “illegal and unjust.”
While in custody, he alleged in a viral video that the police assaulted him and broke his hand.
“Since I came here yesterday, they broke my hand, they have not been able to bring a doctor, they brought a nurse.
“Instead of bringing the doctor, they went and brought the media. I was expecting it,” he said in a live stream shared by Sahara Reporters.
The police, however, denied torturing him. In a statement signed by Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police said, “Contrary to the falsehoods being circulated, Mr. Sowore was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation.
“The arrest was effected in full compliance with legal provisions and with adherence to constitutional safeguards.”
The police also said his detention was backed by a court order and that he was released “well within the 48-hour constitutional window.”
On the viral image showing Sowore with a bandaged hand, the police said:
“The bandage was part of his personal belongings at the time he honoured the police’s invitation—prior to his arrest and detention.
“Upon receiving the report that Mr. Sowore was later seen wearing the bandage while in custody, the Inspector-General of Police ordered an internal investigation to ascertain how he had access to it during detention—particularly as he refused medical examination by independent teams deployed by the Police.”
The statement added that medical teams from the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and from the Force Medical Officer’s office were sent on August 7 and 8, 2025, to examine him, but that Sowore declined both visits.
Police said he is expected to appear before a court in the coming days to face the allegations.
