posted byUrudinachi Blessing
April 3, 2025

THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE HAS REQUESTED THAT I DEPOSIT MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT AND PROVIDE a LEVEL 17 CIVIL SERVANT AS A GUARANTOR FOR BAIL, BUT I HAVE DECLINED THESE CONDITIONS AND OPTED TO REMAIN IN POLICE CUSTODY” SOWORE SAYS ⁩

share

THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE HAS REQUESTED THAT I DEPOSIT MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT AND PROVIDE a LEVEL 17 CIVIL SERVANT AS A GUARANTOR FOR BAIL, BUT I HAVE DECLINED THESE CONDITIONS AND OPTED TO REMAIN IN POLICE CUSTODY” SOWORE SAYS ⁩

THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE HAS REQUESTED THAT I DEPOSIT MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT AND PROVIDE a LEVEL 17 CIVIL SERVANT AS A GUARANTOR FOR BAIL, BUT I HAVE DECLINED THESE CONDITIONS AND OPTED TO REMAIN IN POLICE CUSTODY” SOWORE SAYS  ⁩

Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian rights activist and former presidential candidate, has reportedly been granted bail by the Nigeria Police Force, but he's rejecting the conditions. According to Sowore, the police are asking him to deposit his international passport and provide a level 17 civil servant as a guarantor, which he considers unreasonable.


The news of Sowore's bail and his subsequent rejection of the conditions has sparked a heated debate online, with many Nigerians expressing support for the activist's stance against the police. Blogger and social commentator, Emeka Umeagbalasi, wrote: "Sowore's decision to reject the bail conditions is a bold move, and it shows that he's committed to fighting for his rights and the rights of others."


Another blogger, Chijioke Okoronkwo, added: "The police are trying to intimidate Sowore, but he's refusing to back down. This is a clear case of harassment, and it's unacceptable."


Sowore was summoned by the police following a video he posted online, showing uniformed officers allegedly extorting airport-bound travelers. The police accused him of inciting unrest, prompting the invitation for questioning.


Instead of accepting the bail conditions, Sowore is demanding an unconditional release, stating that he committed no crime and won't compromise his innocence, dignity, and integrity. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, criticized the police for handling the case themselves, suggesting that an impartial agency should have been involved to ensure fairness.


"The police are not impartial in this case, and it's clear that they're trying to silence Sowore," Adeyanju said. "We will not accept any conditions that compromise Sowore's rights or freedom."


The incident has sparked a mix of reactions online, with some supporting Sowore's stance against the police and others questioning his decision to reject the bail conditions.


@SoworeSupporter wrote: "Sowore is a hero, and he's standing up for what's right. We should all support him in this fight against police harassment."


@ConcernedCitizen added: "I understand why Sowore is rejecting the bail conditions, but I'm worried about his safety. The police can be ruthless, and we don't want anything to happen to him."


@SkepticalMind wrote: "I'm not sure why Sowore is making this a big deal. He should just accept the bail conditions and move on. This is not worth the hassle."


@CriticalThinker responded: "You're missing the point. This is not just about Sowore; it's about the principle of standing up against police harassment and intimidation. We should all support Sowore in this fight."


The Nigerian police have not officially commented on the matter, but sources close to the investigation have revealed that the police are determined to prosecute Sowore for inciting unrest.


"Sowore is not above the law, and he will face the consequences of his actions," a police source said.


However, Sowore's supporters argue that the police are overreaching and trying to silence him.


"This is a clear case of harassment, and it's unacceptable," said Raphael Adebayo, a human rights activist. "The police should focus on investigating the allegations of extortion instead of targeting Sowore."


As the debate continues, Sowore remains in police custody, refusing to back down from his demands for an unconditional release. The incident has sparked a national conversation about police harassment, intimidation, and the rights of citizens.



The incident is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by activists and journalists in Nigeria, and the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to protect the rights of citizens.


In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern about Sowore's detention and the bail conditions.


"We urge the Nigerian authorities to release Omoyele Sowore unconditionally and to ensure that he can continue his work as a journalist without fear of harassment or intimidation," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa program coordinator.


The incident has also sparked reactions from international organizations and diplomatic missions, with many calling for Sowore's unconditional release and an end to police harassment.


As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians and international observers are watching closely, eager to see how the authorities will respond to Sowore's demands and the growing outcry against police harassment.

Powered by Froala Editor