Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has described the recent treatment of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force as “a shameful abuse of power,” calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku Abubakar condemned the actions of the IGP Monitoring Team, which reportedly stormed Police cell at dawn, physically assaulted Sowore, broke his arm, and sprayed him with chemicals — all in response to petitions allegedly originating from the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule,” Atiku stated.
He faulted the police for what he described as a clear case of personal vendetta masked as law enforcement. “This is personal vendetta, not policing,” he said.
Atiku also cited Regulation 367 of the Nigeria Police Regulation, which prohibits officers from using their official powers to pursue personal grievances. The regulation reads: “No police officer shall institute any legal proceeding in his own personal interest or in connection with matters arising out of his public duties.”
He questioned the legality of the IGP acting as both a complainant and the authority deploying personnel to enforce his grievance. “The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to carry out his grievance,” Atiku said.
He warned that the arrest of Sowore goes beyond an attack on one individual, stating that it threatens the rights of all citizens to hold the government accountable.
“This is not about Sowore alone; it is an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power. This must stop,” he warned.
The former Vice President ended his statement by demanding Sowore’s “immediate and unconditional” release.
