By Rafiyat Sadiq
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the reported assault and detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team, describing the incident as an abuse of power.
Mr Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made his position known in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday. He described Sowore’s treatment as “shameful, unlawful, and a personal vendetta”, insisting that it reflects a disturbing misuse of state authority.
Mr Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), was arrested earlier in the week after reportedly honouring a police invitation over a petition said to have originated from the IGP’s office.
According to reports and eyewitness accounts, officers allegedly attacked him at dawn, beat him and broke his arm before taking him into custody.
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The activist was arrested in 2019 and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his “RevolutionNow” protests, and he has faced multiple charges since then, most of which were later dismissed.
Atiku said Sowore’s only “offence” was speaking out against injustice, corruption, and poor leadership. He faulted the IGP’s direct involvement in the matter, stressing that the nation’s laws prohibit any police officer from initiating legal proceedings in their personal interest.
“The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to pursue his grievance,” Atiku said. “This is not just about Sowore. It is an attack on every Nigerian who speaks the truth. It must stop.”
The former vice president called for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that continued repression of dissent undermines democracy and citizens’ rights.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
