Human Rights Battle: Sowore To Sue Police For Alleged Inhuman Treatment

Former presidential candidate and human rights advocate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced plans to take legal action against the Nigeria Police Force over what his legal team described as “inhumane treatment” during his recent detention.

In a statement released on Saturday, Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, alleged that police officers fractured Sowore’s arm in a violent attempt to forcibly move him from one cell to another around 6 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025.

The legal team dismissed the police’s official version, which claimed Sowore arrived at their facility already bandaged, labeling it “false, self-incriminating, and illogical.”

Temokun called on the police to publish an inventory of items seized from Sowore during his arrest to substantiate their claims.

The statement further revealed that Sowore was denied access to his personal medical team and was instead treated by an unqualified first-aider without proper X-rays or diagnosis.

Sowore’s refusal to undergo examination by police medical personnel was explained by his lawyers as a measure to prevent any “manipulation of evidence” by those allegedly responsible for his injury.

The legal team also condemned the police for neglecting other serious accusations, including the alleged theft of Sowore’s Ray-Ban AI glasses by an officer, while swiftly denying the assault claims publicly.

Temokun emphasized that Sowore’s decision not to provide a statement, which the police cited as grounds for his detention, is protected under his constitutional rights.

They referenced Section 35(2) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 60(1) of the Police Act 2020 to support this.

“The undeniable fact is this: Omoyele Sowore’s arm was broken while in police custody, under their control. We will seek all necessary legal remedies, including filing petitions with the Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission,” Temokun stated.

Sowore was released on Friday evening after two days in detention.

However, his legal team insists on a “full account” from all officers involved in the incident.