The Nigeria Police Force has invited the convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, for questioning over a video he recorded during an altercation with police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
This is contained in a letter dated January 23, 2025 and signed by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Commissioner of Police (OPS), on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
The invitation letter asked Sowore to report on Monday, January 27, 2025, for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID).
“This office is investigating case of Resisting and Obstructing Public Officers, Disobedience to Lawful Order, Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm or Prevent Arrest, Compelling Action by Intimidation, Reckless & Negligent Acts, Refusal to Assist Public Servant and Cyberstalking in which your name featured, prominently,” the letter reads.
“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Monday, 27th January, 2025 at 10am.
“This request is made pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Police by the combined effects of Sections 214 and the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020.
“Be informed that you are at liberty to come along with your attorney, please.”
On Wednesday night, SaharaReporters reported that the police force had launched a manhunt for Sowore following the video which he posted on social media platforms
The video shows police officers stationed on the road, apparently extorting money from motorists.
A source informed SaharaReporters on Wednesday that the manhunt was initiated by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi after days of deliberation and persistent appeals to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take action against Sowore.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is currently in Nigeria and is scheduled to appear in court on February 4, 2025, for a cybercrime trial initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Thursday, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) revealed that a senior police officer had summoned him for questioning regarding the video.
“I have just concluded a conversation with the senior Nigeria Police Force officer in Abuja, who requested my presence for questioning regarding an extortion video I did at a police ‘checkpoint’ in Lagos, which prompted the police hierarchy to launch a manhunt for me,” he wrote.
“He informed me that the ‘charges’ are not yet prepared. I am still awaiting. #revolutionnow.”
The video in question shows Nigerian police officers stopping vehicles on the road, including Sowore’s. He confronted the officers, criticizing them for creating unnecessary traffic on the airport road. Sowore emphasized that their actions were inappropriate and disruptive.
In the video, Sowore is heard saying, “We are not parking. 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 objections, the police officers stood in front of his car, insisting he park. Sowore, however, refused and firmly demanded that the officers clear the road.
Eventually, one of the officers instructed his colleagues to allow Sowore to proceed. As he drove off, one officer was heard saying, “God punish you,” to which Sowore promptly responded, “God punish you too.”
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