Sowore Accuses Nigerian Police of Smear Campaign Amid Calls for Reform
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, alleges that the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a smear campaign against him for opposing corruption and extortion. He highlights a recent failed visitation to a detained TikToker, emphasizing police obstruction and the need for reform. Sowore underscores the importance of transforming the police force to protect citizens’ rights more effectively.
Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and the convener of the RevolutionNow Movement, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of initiating a smear campaign against him. This allegation arises from his unwavering opposition to corruption, extortion, and the ill-treatment of Nigerian citizens. Sowore made these claims following the circulation of warnings among police officers regarding his purported use of hidden recording devices to document their misconduct toward citizens.
The police warning, which featured a photo of Sowore, cautioned officers against engaging with him, asserting that he seeks opportunities to incriminate on-duty policemen. The message explicitly advised officers not to accept any offers from Sowore, highlighting his supposed tactics of covertly recording interactions.
In his response, Sowore recounted a recent incident where he attempted to visit Timothy Gabriel, a TikToker detained at the request of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu. Gabriel had endured approximately 50 days of detention, prompting outrage from rights activists when police failed to present him for a court trial.
During his visit with Gabriel’s family to the Force Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, Sowore faced obstruction from police officers who denied them access, despite following established visitation protocols. Sowore emphasized the agitation of officers upon their arrival, reflecting the prevailing issues within police practices.
He stated that, despite these challenges, he remains unwavering in advocating for police reform. Sowore asserted that the Nigeria Police’s online discussions showcased their corrupt behaviors and the urgent need for transformation. He expressed optimism for Gabriel’s eventual release on bail, reinforcing his call for systemic change within the police force to improve the situation for all Nigerians.
In summary, Omoyele Sowore has highlighted ongoing issues of corruption and police misconduct in Nigeria. He describes a campaign targeting him for his advocacy against these injustices, particularly concerning the case of Timothy Gabriel, a detained individual. Sowore’s experiences underscore the challenges faced by activists in confronting systemic police abuses, and he remains committed to pushing for necessary reforms to ensure better treatment of Nigerian citizens.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
