The Take-It-Back Movement has condemned the Nigeria Police Force’s recent manhunt for its leader, Omoyele Sowore, in response to his documentation of alleged police extortion.
The organisation in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon and Public Relations Officer, Stephen Olabiyi, on Thursday, vowed to “occupy all police offices across the country should any attempt be made to arrest Comrade Sowore”.
It said, “The video, which captured officers on Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos, sheds light on the disturbing reality of police corruption and the unjust targeting of citizens.
“This blatant attempt to intimidate and silence Sowore is yet another example of the Nigerian government’s increasing disregard for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“The Take It Back Movement stands in solidarity with Sowore and demands an immediate end to the police manhunt.
“We further demand that the authorities focus their efforts on investigating the alleged police misconduct captured in the video and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“As a movement dedicated to justice, transparency, and the empowerment of Nigerian citizens, we will continue to resist attempts to stifle dissent and erode the fundamental rights of our people.”
The TIB called on the “international community, human rights organizations, and all Nigerians to join us in condemning this latest attack on our freedoms and to stand with Omoyele Sowore in his pursuit of truth and justice”.
SaharaReporters reported on Wednesday night that the earlier in the evening, Nigeria Police Force launched a manhunt for Sowore following a video he recorded during an altercation with police officers on Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
The video shows police officers stationed on the road, apparently extorting money from motorists.
A source informed SaharaReporters 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).
The video posted on Sowore’s X and TikTok accounts has garnered nearly 917,000 views and over 2.9 million views respectively.
Operation Resist @PoliceNG extortion on Nigerian highways! #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/pRk05wby1Y
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) January 9, 2025
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.”
I have been informed that the Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG is searching for me. I am currently in Abuja and available at their convenience. It appears that the new year is about to start on a positive note! #Revolutionnow pic.twitter.com/cFvoUF4wey
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) January 22, 2025