Nigeria Police Force Denies Torturing Omoyele Sowore, Claims Bandaged Hand Photo Was Misrepresented

The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations of torturing human rights activist Omoyele Sowore while he was in detention, stating that a viral photo of his bandaged hand was mischievously presented to mislead the public. The Force's Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Sowore's detention was in line with constitutional provisions and that he was released on bail after 48 hours. The police have also stated that they maintain a zero-tolerance policy for torture and have denied allegations of inhuman or degrading treatment. Sowore had claimed that nine officers, including eight heavily armed personnel, broke his arm after forcibly entering his cell.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations of torturing Omoyele Sowore while he was in detention, claiming that the viral photo of his bandaged hand was mischievously presented to mislead the public.
• The police stated that Sowore's detention was in line with constitutional provisions and that he was released on bail after 48 hours.
• The Force has maintained a zero-tolerance policy for torture and has denied allegations of inhuman or degrading treatment.
• Sowore claimed that nine officers, including eight heavily armed personnel, broke his arm after forcibly entering his cell.
• The police have said that they respect Sowore's right to decline medical assessment, but twice provided him with the opportunity for independent medical verification, which he rejected.
• Sowore's continued detention is anchored on a valid remand order issued by a competent court of jurisdiction.
• The police have urged the media, civil society actors, and the public to exercise greater diligence, restraint, and professional responsibility in their reporting.

Statistics:

• The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, as stated in the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
• Sowore was detained for 48 hours, in accordance with Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
• The police have said that they respect Sowore's right to decline medical assessment, but twice provided him with the opportunity for independent medical verification, which he rejected.

Sources:

• Adejobi, O. (2023). Press Release: Nigeria Police Force Denies Allegations of Torture Against Omoyele Sowore. Retrieved from The Punch News Online.
• Nigeria Police Force (2023). Press Release: Clarification on Omoyele Sowore's Arrest and Detention. Retrieved from Nigerian Police Force Official Website.