Former presidential candidate and convener of the RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody after nearly 48 hours of what supporters and rights advocates have described as “unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention” by the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowore announced his release in a social media post, accusing the police under what he termed an “illegal Inspector General of Police” of yielding to public outrage and sustained pressure from the revolutionary movement.
“Nigeria Police Force and its illegal IGP have capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, unwarranted, and unlawful detention,” he wrote.
While expressing gratitude to those who stood by him during the ordeal, the activist stressed that his release should not be seen as a victory in itself, but rather as a reminder of the ongoing fight against what he called systemic oppression.
“It is nothing to celebrate, but I can’t do without thanking you all for not giving up. You’ve all seen the power of unity,” Sowore stated.
The detention, which has sparked condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates, marks the latest in a series of confrontations between Sowore and Nigerian security agencies.
Supporters have hailed his release as a testament to the power of collective action, while Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his revolutionary agenda.
