Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody after spending more than two days behind bars at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Sowore was arrested on Wednesday after responding to an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police’s Monitoring Unit. According to the police, the detention was linked to two petitions accusing him of forging police documents and cyberbullying.

However, his lawyer, Tope Temokun, painted a different picture, accusing the police of inhumane treatment. Temokun claimed that Sowore was secretly moved to an undisclosed location on Thursday morning, during which he sustained a physical injury.

In a Facebook post shortly after his release on Friday night, Sowore described his detention as “illegal and unjust,” adding that it was not a moment to celebrate but rather a reminder of the struggles against oppression.

Speaking to journalists before leaving custody, the activist said there was no legal basis for his arrest, accusing the police of targeting him because of his opposition stance. He also alleged that officers tried to stage-manage media appearances to make it seem like he was fine, even though he had a broken hand.

“They should have released me, apologised, and let me seek proper medical treatment,” Sowore said. “Instead, they brought the press to cover up the reality of my condition.”

Sowore, known for his fearless criticism of government excesses, vowed not to be silenced, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant in the face of injustice.