Kelvin Ejumudo, the National Secretary of the Human Rights Protection Congress and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights, has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of detained activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Addressing Newsmen on Thursday, Ejumudo condemned what he described as the unlawful detention of Sowore by the Nigerian Police, stressing that the police cannot act as both a party in a dispute and the judge.
“In a democratic society, it is critical to adhere strictly to the rule of law,” Ejumudo said. “The judiciary exists to interpret the law and deliver justice, not the police. The continued detention of Comrade Sowore without clear charges or a court ruling is unacceptable and a violation of his fundamental human rights.”
He further called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Sowore, whose location remains unknown since his reported arrest.
According to Ejumudo, the lack of transparency surrounding his detention raises serious concerns about due process and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
“We are giving the IGP 48 hours to release our comrade or we will mobilize for a nationwide protest to the Police Headquarters,” he warned.
Ejumudo urged civil society groups, human rights organizations, and Nigerians at large to remain vigilant and stand in defense of democracy and human rights.
The call for Sowore’s release has reignited public debate on police accountability, freedom of expression, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Sowore was detained on August 6, 2025, after DCP Akin Fakorede presented two petitions to him from the IGP’s office, one alleged forgery and the second written by Bukola Yemisi Kuti, alleging Criminal Defamation.
It was gathered that a police team from the IGP Monitoring unit forcibly took Omoyele Sowore from his cell, claiming to be taking him to court. When Sowore asked to see the charges and notify his lawyers, the officers handled him roughly, breaking his arm in the process. He was then taken to another police facility.
