Abuja | August 8, 2025

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, describing the action by the Nigeria Police Force as an “abuse of state power.”

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over Sowore’s detention, especially as the activist reportedly honored a police invitation voluntarily.

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore @YeleSowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force,” Obi said.

He noted that no clear or credible charges have been made public as of the time of his statement, raising questions about the motivation and legality behind the detention.

“His arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process,” he added.

Obi criticized the police for detaining a citizen who poses no flight risk and has not been presented with formal charges, stating that the action amounts to a “miscarriage of justice.”

Quoting the Greek philosopher Plato, Obi emphasized the role of justice in the moral life of a nation and warned that continued disregard for legal norms could further erode public confidence in the country’s law enforcement institutions.

“Anything short of releasing Sowore or charging him under the law would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions,” Obi warned.

The former Anambra State governor called on the police to either immediately release Sowore or formally charge him in court, stressing the importance of equal application of the rule of law regardless of political background or ideology.