Abayomi Shogunle
Abayomi Shogunle, the commissioner of police for the special intervention squad, has explained the reasons behind the detention of Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate.
On Wednesday, Sowore arrived at the police headquarters in Abuja to honour an invitation from the inspector-general of police (IGP) monitoring unit over a petition.
He arrived at the force headquarters with his lawyers and some activists, including members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’.
However, he was taken into custody and remained detained as of Wednesday.
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Speaking to protesters and the press in Abuja on Friday, Shogunle said Sowore was arrested and detained after he allegedly refused to make a statement during police interrogation.
“The two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in my presence. One concerns forgery of a police document he published online, and the other relates to cyberbullying,” Shogunle said.
“He was asked to provide the source of the forged document but refused to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers. This refusal is on record.”
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He said though the law grants Sowore the right to remain silent, it also imposes responsibilities on the police when an accused person declines to speak.
“The procedure under the Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon, you have a duty to put down your own position,” Shogunle said.
“The same law that gives him the right to remain silent also gives the police the responsibility of certain duties to do when somebody who has been alleged of an offence decides not to talk, which you’re also aware of.
“And I believe we’re professionals, and I believe the procedure as laid down by the law is being followed.”
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When questioned about Sowore’s detention beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit, Shogunle said the police are adhering to all legal provisions required to lawfully keep someone in custody.
