The African Action Congress in the Federal Capital Territory has denounced the prosecution of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police.
The group’s position was shared in a statement signed by Agena Robert Ande, Chairman of the African Action Congress FCT Abuja Chapter on Saturday.
“We, the African Action Congress FCT Chapter, strongly condemn the illegal arrest of our presidential candidate, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police in Abuja,” he said.
“This blatant disregard for the law and Mr. Sowore’s fundamental human rights is a clear indication of the police’s politically motivated agenda.”
The party noted that any attempt to intimidate Sowore will be resisted, adding that it will not “stand idly by” while its leaders are harassed and intimidated for speaking truth to power.
“We will continue to fight for justice, equality, and transparency in our country,” the statement read in part.
It said, “Mr. Sowore’s arrest, after he willingly honored the police invitation, is a gross abuse of power and a threat to democracy. We warn the Nigeria Police that any further attempt to harass or intimidate Mr. Sowore will be heavily resisted.
“We stand by Mr. Sowore’s statements against the tenure extension of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other senior officers who are occupying positions illegally, thereby blocking the promotion of junior officers.
“His words are a testament to his commitment to social justice and his determination to fight against corruption.”
In the statement, the AAC called for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, noting that it is “in accordance with the civil service rules, rather than clinging to power illegally.”
It said, “The IGP’s actions are a clear example of the corruption and impunity that Mr. Sowore is fighting against.
“We call on all Nigerians to stand with us in condemning this blatant abuse of power and to demand that the Nigeria Police respect the fundamental human rights of all citizens.”
During the week, Nigerian police filed 16 cybercrime-related charges against Sowore, citing his statements that Egbetokun was illegally occupying the position of Inspector General of Police.
Sowore argued that Egbetokun is an ‘illegal IGP’, having exceeded the retirement age, should have retired from the force—a claim the police force strongly refutes.
The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Sowore bail set at N10 million.
Following the development, Egbetokun has faced intense scrutiny, with many condemning both Sowore’s trial and the police’s actions.
