Omoyele Sowore, activist, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday to honour a police invitation.
He arrived at about 9:45 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer and supporters.
The Nigeria Police Force summoned Sowore following a viral video in which he highlighted alleged extortion by officers stationed on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
The police invitation, dated January 23, 2025, was signed by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID). It outlined allegations against Sowore, including:
- Resisting and obstructing public officers
- Disobedience to lawful orders
- Acts intended to cause harm or prevent arrest
- Compelling action by intimidation
- Reckless and negligent acts
- Refusal to assist public servants
- Cyberstalking
The letter directed Sowore to report to Room 212 at the FID Complex, opposite the Force Headquarters in Abuja, by 10 a.m. on Monday. The police emphasized that the invitation fell within their investigative powers and acknowledged Sowore’s right to legal representation.
The video at the center of the controversy showed Sowore confronting police officers at a checkpoint on the airport road. In the footage, Sowore accused the officers of extorting motorists and creating unnecessary traffic.
As Sowore’s vehicle approached, the officers demanded he park, resulting in a heated exchange. Sowore refused, stating, “You are not supposed to be causing traffic on the airport road. We are not parking. Go and bring your Oga.” Despite initial resistance, the officers eventually allowed him to proceed. However, an officer reportedly muttered, “God punish you,” to which Sowore replied, “God punish you too,” before driving off.
The video sparked public outrage, with many criticizing the police for alleged corruption and harassment.
Following the video’s circulation, the police hierarchy launched an investigation. Reports suggest the summons was influenced by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, who urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to act against Sowore for allegedly obstructing the officers.
This summons adds to Sowore’s ongoing legal challenges. He is also set to appear in court on February 4, 2025, in a cybercrime case initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The incident has reignited public debates about police accountability and the treatment of activists in Nigeria. Many have expressed concerns about the police’s focus on Sowore instead of addressing the underlying issue of alleged extortion by its officers.
Activists and civil society groups have called for transparency in the investigation and urged the police to prioritize reforms that address corruption and restore public trust.
