The Action Democratic Party has demanded an explanation from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged assault on Omoyele Sowore while in police custody.
In a statement released late Friday by its National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, the party condemned the incident, stating, “The manhandling of, National Chairman of African Alliance Congress by the IGP Monitoring Team is unacceptable.” Sani cited a video showing Sowore with a bandaged hand and visible bruises, expressing concern over what he described as an apparent case of police brutality.
“A video clip showing Sowore with a bandaged hand and bruises raises serious concerns about police brutality,” he said.
Calling on Nigerians to speak out against the incident, the ADP chairman urged citizens to hold the police accountable. “Sowore, a vocal advocate for democracy, deserves respect and dignity. This incident undermines Nigeria’s image and echoes the dark days of military rule,” he added.
Sani demanded answers from the police, asking, “How did Sowore sustain injuries while in police custody, and why was he assaulted despite making himself available to the police upon invitation?”
Sowore had earlier written to the police on Tuesday, August 5, indicating his intention to honour an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit the following day, Wednesday, August 6, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He also requested that the police make public the details of the petition against him.
Responding to this request, the IGP Monitoring Unit, in a letter signed by its Head, DCP Akin Fakorede, addressed to Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun Chambers, stated that the activist should appear for the scheduled interview. The letter read in part, “I refer to your letter dated August 5, 2025 on the above subject matter and respectfully notify your client Mr. Omoyele Sowore that based on his request for re-scheduling of appointment, a new date August 6, 2025 by 11.30 am has been scheduled for his interview with the Head of IGP Monitoring Unit.
“A copy of the petition, which is the subject matter of police investigation, will be availed to your client physically when he honours the invite, in line with Police Standard Investigation Procedure.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Sowore expressed frustration over the police’s refusal to disclose the petition ahead of the meeting. “The IGP Monitoring Unit has scheduled my interview for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11:00 AM, yet they have refused to provide a copy of the purported petition against me,” he said.
The activist also raised concerns about the motive behind the investigation. “Despite this, I will honour the invitation, but not alone. I will be going with a full house. To all our revolutionary comrades, as always, we move together. Let every freedom fighter, every citizen of conscience, every voice of resistance assemble early tomorrow at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja,” he wrote.
