The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to either release activist Omoyele Sowore or formally charge him to court.
Obi made this demand in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, expressing concern over Sowore’s detention after he voluntarily honored a police invitation.
“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 stated. The former Anambra State governor noted that the police had yet to disclose any clear charges against Sowore, raising questions about the motivation behind his detention.
“At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention,” Obi said. He condemned the arrest as an abuse of power, particularly since Sowore had presented himself willingly.
“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,” Obi emphasized. He argued that there was no justification for such treatment, stating, “From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.”
Obi warned that detaining a citizen without lawful charges not only undermines justice but also erodes public trust in law enforcement. Quoting the Greek philosopher Plato, he said, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.” He added, “When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but also the moral conscience of the nation.”
The Labour Party leader urged the police to act swiftly, saying, “I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law.” He stressed that failure to do so would further damage public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
Obi concluded by emphasizing the importance of the rule of law, stating, “It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens – regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment.”
