By Olayemi Esan
The arrest of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has ignited a fierce public debate, with allegations of torture, political persecution, and disinformation swirling across social media. But in a rare and forceful counter, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has laid out a detailed account of events—complete with timelines, legal references, and a curious twist involving a white bandage.
In a statement issued late Friday by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police dismissed the torture allegations as “grossly misleading” and insisted that Sowore’s detention was anchored on “credible, corroborated allegations” of criminal offences, including forgery and cyberstalking.
The Arrest: Lawful or Political?
According to the Force PRO, Sowore was taken into custody following “credible intelligence and multiple complaints” that linked him to a network of online harassment and falsified documents. Police sources, said preliminary evidence included “digital footprints and witness statements” now before investigators.
The arrest, they maintained, was carried out in full compliance with constitutional safeguards, with Sowore informed of the allegations against him. He was reportedly released on bail within the 48-hour constitutional window under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution, only to be brought back into custody under a fresh remand order issued by a competent court.
Contrary to the falsehoods being circulated, Mr. Sowore was arrested based on credible, corroborated allegations involving criminal offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other infractions currently under active investigation. The arrest was effected in full compliance with extant legal provisions, and with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rights of the suspect.
The statement added;
He is fully aware of the nature of the allegations against him and has been duly informed of the charges. He is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to answer to the accusations in a lawful and transparent judicial process.
The Bandage Controversy
Perhaps the most viral image in this saga is a photograph of Sowore wearing a white bandage on his arm—presented online as evidence of alleged police brutality.
The Force’s version of events is strikingly different:
The bandage, they claim, was among Sowore’s personal belongings before his arrest. It was allegedly worn during custody without official authorization, prompting Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to order an internal probe into how it was obtained.
Twice—in separate incidents on August 7 and 8—Sowore reportedly declined independent medical examinations offered by the Police’s top medical officers, including the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer. Both refusals are documented, the Police said.
In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the Force promptly responded to the claims of brutality by dispatching a medical team—led by the Medical Director of the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital—to conduct an independent examination on 7th August 2025. Mr. Sowore declined the evaluation. A second medical team, this time led by the Force Medical Officer, was sent on 8th August 2025, and again, access was denied by the suspect. These refusals are officially documented. While the Police respect the individual’s right to decline medical assessment, the record must show that the opportunity for independent medical verification was twice provided and twice rejected.
Furthermore, his continued detention is not arbitrary; it is anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court of jurisdiction. Every action taken by the Nigeria Police Force in this matter has been underpinned by legal authority, devoid of malice, bias, or political undertones.
A Clash Over Narrative
The Police’s tone in the statement was unusually combative, accusing Sowore of “manipulating public narratives and weaponizing propaganda to malign state institutions.”
Civil society groups, however, have countered that the Force is attempting to control the narrative ahead of possible public protests. Several activists have questioned why the bandage became a focal point of the official response rather than the allegations themselves.
Due Process or Detention by Design?
While the NPF insists its actions are backed by a valid remand order, rights advocates are demanding full disclosure of the evidence behind the forgery and cyberstalking charges.
Legal analysts note that the Force’s emphasis on court orders and procedural compliance could be an attempt to inoculate the case against future human rights litigation—particularly in light of Nigeria’s obligations under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and international human rights treaties.
What Comes Next?
Sowore is expected to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days. The Police have promised further updates as investigations proceed, warning media outlets and social commentators to “exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility.”
For now, the story remains a battle of competing truths: a police force determined to defend its integrity and an activist adept at mobilizing public opinion. Somewhere between the legal documents, the viral images, and the unanswered questions lies the full story—one that may yet test the boundaries of Nigeria’s justice system.
Olayemi Esan is a Security Analyst, a Public Relations practitioner, a historian and a broadcast journalist. She can be contacted through her email yemiesan04@ gmail.com