Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged unlawful detention and assault of human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, Falana acknowledged the police’s authority to arrest and prosecute Sowore if there is reasonable suspicion of a criminal offence but stressed that such actions must respect constitutional rights.
“As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence,” Falana said. “However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”
The senior advocate insisted that Sowore, like all detainees, is entitled to humane treatment, warning that any violation amounts to a breach of constitutional and statutory provisions.
Falana further demanded that officers accused of torturing the activist be held accountable under the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
“We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017,” he stated. “Meanwhile, Mr. Sowore should be released from further police custody to enable him to receive urgent medical treatment.”
The police have yet to issue an official response to Falana’s allegations, though the controversy has intensified public scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of high-profile arrests in Nigeria.
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