The Force Headquarters in Abuja was heavily fortified on Monday as former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, appeared for questioning following a viral video he shared alleging police extortion at a Lagos checkpoint.
According to The PUNCH, Sowore, who was invited by the police, faced multiple allegations, including obstructing public officers, disobeying lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
In a letter signed by the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Sowore was asked to meet with the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the FID Complex in Abuja on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Part of the letter read: “This office is investigating cases 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.”
In response to the summons, the Take It Back Movement, a group linked to Sowore, circulated a flier on social media urging citizens to protest against alleged police extortion.
The flier, which gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), featured images of Sowore and the Inspector General of Police alongside bold text reading, “Occupy Force Headquarters.”
By Monday morning, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were barricaded, with heavily armed officers in anti-riot gear deployed to secure the area.
Speaking on the development, a police spokesperson explained the heightened security. “The deployment was necessary to ensure law and order are maintained. We are prepared to handle any situation that might arise,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Sowore, upon arriving at the Force Headquarters, reaffirmed his stance against police misconduct. “This is about standing up for accountability and exposing the injustices that ordinary Nigerians face daily,” he told reporters.
