The Nigeria Police Force has clarified why human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre shortly after being granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Abuja on Friday.
Sowore, who was arrested on Thursday over alleged incitement and breach of public peace, was arraigned alongside 12 others before the Kuje Magistrate Court.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties.
However, shortly after the court ruling, confusion erupted as police operatives reportedly stormed the premises and whisked Sowore away to Kuje Prison, sparking outrage among activists.
Human rights advocate, Deji Adeyanju, who witnessed the incident, accused the police of using excessive force in executing the transfer.
He alleged that over 50 armed officers descended on Sowore, tore his shirt, and took him away despite his legal team working to perfect his bail conditions.
“The officer flashed what he claimed was a remand order but refused to let us inspect it. When we asked where they were taking him, they said Kuje Prison,” Adeyanju told journalists.
Adeyanju also claimed that Sowore was accused of “insulting the Inspector General of Police,” adding that the officers vowed to “deal with him” for the alleged remark.
Reacting to the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police acted strictly in accordance with the law.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hundeyin attached a copy of the remand warrant, explaining that the police were obligated to hand over suspects to the Nigeria Correctional Service once a remand order is issued.
“Once a court grants a suspect bail, it comes with the caveat that until bail conditions are perfected, the suspect remains in custody,” he wrote. “Where the remand warrant specifies that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility, not police custody, the police must comply.”
He added that law enforcement officers are empowered by law to use “commensurate force” when carrying out their duties.