By Muhammad Mamman
Crowds clad in black flooded the streets of Abuja and Lagos, waving Nigerian flags and demanding the immediate release of activist Omoyele Sowore. Chanting anti-government slogans, protesters condemned the Nigeria Police Force for detaining the human rights advocate on charges of “forgery and inciting disturbance.”
In Abuja, demonstrators at Force Headquarters faced alleged intimidation by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who reportedly arrived with a dog to disperse them. “We’re within our rights,” a protester declared, denying claims of road blockades. In Lagos, the protest kicked off at 10:00 a.m. outside the Ikeja Police Command, with vows to persist until Sowore’s release.
Amnesty International slammed the police for allegedly fracturing Sowore’s hand during a violent transfer attempt at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, calling it a “blatant violation of human rights.” The group demanded his unconditional release, medical care, and an end to “bogus” charges. Atiku, NLC, and Obi joined nationwide outrage, accusing authorities of stifling dissent.
Sowore remains in custody as tensions rise.
