Omoyele Sowore speaks to journalists in Abuja following release from police custody before scheduled arraignment.
Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN ) — The Nigeria Police Force has filed new criminal charges against Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore, with his arraignment scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nigerian Activist Omoyele Sowore Faces New Criminal Charges and Court Appearance
According to official statements, the charges against Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore include forgery and cyberstalking alongside other offences. Police authorities maintain that the case is based on credible and corroborated evidence gathered during investigations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, said Sowore was taken into custody in line with due process and later released on bail within the constitutionally mandated 48 hours.
Sowore Denies Allegations and Alleges Police Brutality
Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
He claims he suffered injuries during detention, including a broken arm, and accused police officers of using excessive force during a forced transfer.
The activist argued that his previous campaigns for police pension reform and criticism of tenure extensions for senior officers have been mischaracterised as personal attacks.
Police Respond to Brutality Allegations Against Nigerian Activist Omoyele Sowore
The police have denied the claims, stating that Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore refused medical examinations offered on two occasions while in custody. Officials insist that all procedures were carried out in line with the law and constitutional safeguards, and that the activist was treated humanely throughout his detention.
Civil Society and International Reaction
Rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern over the reported injury and called for an independent review of the incident.
Civil society groups have emphasised the need for transparency in handling cases involving prominent activists, warning that any perception of bias could undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Previous Legal Disputes and Pending Case
This is not the first time Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has faced legal action from the authorities. In January 2025, he was charged with multiple counts of cybercrime over his repeated reference to the Inspector-General of Police as “illegal IGP,” following a controversial extension of the police chief’s tenure.
That case remains before the courts, with his passport still held as part of bail conditions.
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The August 14 arraignment is expected to bring further scrutiny to the ongoing tensions between Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore and the police, as both sides prepare to present their cases in court.
Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore speaks to journalists in Abuja following release from police custody before scheduled arraignment.
