The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations of torture by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was arrested over alleged forgery, cyberstalking, and other offences.
Sowore, detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, was released on Friday.
In a Facebook post, he described his detention as “illegal and unjust,” claiming in a viral video that his hand was broken and he was denied medical treatment.
In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the claims as “deliberate disinformation” aimed at discrediting the police and its leadership.
He said Sowore was arrested under a valid remand order, informed of the allegations against him, and released within the constitutional 48-hour limit.
The police also rejected suggestions of inhuman treatment, insisting they operate a zero-tolerance policy on torture in line with the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
Adejobi said the bandage seen in the viral image was part of Sowore’s personal belongings before his arrest, adding that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered an internal probe into how it was used in custody.
According to the statement, two separate medical teams were dispatched to examine Sowore on August 7 and 8, but he declined both offers.
The police maintained that he will appear in court in the coming days to face the charges.