Police Deny Torture Allegations, Say Sowore Arrested for Forgery, Cyberstalking

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, that he was tortured in custody, insisting his arrest was lawful and based on credible allegations of forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences under investigation.

Sowore, detained at Force Headquarters in Abuja after honouring an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit on Wednesday, alleged in a viral video that officers assaulted him and broke his hand. He described the detention as “illegal and unjust” in a Facebook post.

However, police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, denied any maltreatment, calling Sowore’s claims “deliberate disinformation” aimed at discrediting the police and its leadership.

The Force maintained that Sowore’s arrest complied with legal procedures, was backed by a valid court order, and that he was released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional limit.