Atiku Condemns Police Over Sowore’s Detention, Demands Immediate Release

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the reported assault and detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team, describing it as an abuse of power and a blow to democracy.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku — who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — labelled the incident “shameful, unlawful, and a personal vendetta.”

According to reports, Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, was attacked in the early hours of the day after honouring a police invitation over a petition allegedly originating from the IGP’s office. Witnesses say he was beaten, sprayed with chemicals, and had his arm broken during the encounter.

Atiku said Sowore’s “only offence” was speaking out against injustice, corruption, and poor leadership, warning that such treatment sends a dangerous message to all Nigerians who dare to speak the truth.

He also faulted the IGP for allegedly acting as both complainant and enforcer in the case, stressing:

“No police officer shall institute any legal proceeding in his own personal interest or in connection with matters arising out of his public duties. The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to carry out his grievance.”

Atiku insisted that this was not just about Sowore, but about protecting the rights of all Nigerians.

“This is an attack on every Nigerian who speaks the truth. It must stop,” he said.

The former Vice President demanded Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that such acts of intimidation undermine the rule of law and threaten the nation’s democracy.