Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the violent arrest and detention of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as a clear case of police overreach and personal vendetta.
In a statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku said the treatment meted out to Sowore by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team was both “shameful” and “unlawful.”
“Sowore’s only offence was speaking out against injustice, corruption, and failed leadership,” Atiku stated. “What we are witnessing is not law enforcement; it is a misuse of power to silence dissent. It must stop.”
According to reports, Sowore had honoured a police invitation linked to a petition reportedly filed from the IGP’s office. However, instead of a peaceful interaction, he was allegedly ambushed at dawn, physically assaulted, sprayed with chemical substances, and suffered a broken arm.
“This is not how democracy works,” Atiku said. “It is unacceptable for the Inspector-General of Police to be both a complainant and the enforcer of the complaint. The law does not permit any police officer to institute proceedings or take action in personal interest while using public resources.”
Citing the abuse of power, Atiku warned that the implications of such an action go beyond Sowore. “This is an attack on every Nigerian who speaks the truth,” he said. “The IGP must be held to account, and Sowore should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
