The Commissioner of Police for Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has explained why human rights activist Omoyele Sowore is being detained by the Nigeria Police Force.
Shogunle, speaking to demonstrators and the press in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday, stated that Sowore’s arrest and custody were ordered after the activist allegedly refused to give a statement during police interrogation.
Supporters of Sowore are protesting in various parts of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo states, calling for the release of the pro-democracy campaigner, who had previously accepted an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday and was later detained.
Sowore recently spearheaded a rally to demand better welfare for retired police officers, and he also criticised a recent NPF promotion process.
The CP stated on Friday, in a video aired by Sahara Reporters, that there were two petitions against the activist.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him right in my presence. One bordered on forgery of a police document, which he published online, and we all know the position of the law. It is your duty to provide a source of how you came across the forged document. The second petition has to do with cyberbullying.
“The two petitions were shown to him in the presence of his lawyers. The issue now is that he refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. It is in the record.
“And the procedure under the Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon; you have a duty to put down your own position,” the CP said.
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“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk, which you’re also aware of. And I believe we’re professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed,” he said.
He stated that Sowore was not forced to make a statement despite his alleged refusal.
“He has the right to remain silent, and the police also have the duties and responsibilities under the law to follow certain procedures once a suspect decides to keep mute. We won’t say, “Because you have decided to keep mute, you can go.” No.”
When asked by a lawyer why Sowore was detained beyond the constitutional limit of 24 hours, the CP responded,
“We are professionals; we are following the provisions of the law. Everything needed to be followed under the law in keeping somebody is being followed.”
The CP also offered to take a few protesters to where Sowore was being held to show that he was not being brutalised.
“The law is being followed regarding his apprehension and detention. He came himself, and the moment he refused to make a statement, his arrest was ordered,” Shogunle added.
