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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned what it describes as the “violent and lawless detention of pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore, calling for the immediate dismissal of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and holding him personally responsible for any harm suffered by the activist while in custody.
The group’s reaction follows reports from Amnesty International and multiple eyewitness accounts alleging that Sowore was violently assaulted by police officers at about 6:00am and forcefully dragged from his detention cell without legal representation or prior notice. He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, and sustained severe injuries to his left hand during the scuffle.
“This is not just a violation of human rights; it is an outright declaration of war against democratic principles,” said Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator. “Dragging a citizen out of detention at dawn, injuring him in the process, and then disappearing him to an unknown location these are not the actions of a constitutional democracy. These are tactics of tyranny.”
Sowore, a longtime activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, had reportedly joined a peaceful demonstration organized by retired police officers who were demanding unpaid entitlements. HURIWA insists that Sowore’s only offence in the eyes of the police was exercising his right to peaceful assembly and expression.
“This IGP has made it personal, his hostility toward Sowore stems not from any criminal conduct, but because Sowore dared to raise questions about whether Egbetokun had reached the mandatory retirement age. That is a matter of public interest not a justification for vendetta and brutality.”
HURIWA recalled an earlier protest in front of the Force Headquarters where a police officer allegedly snatched Sowore’s eyeglasses in full view of the public. To date, the association says, no disciplinary action has been taken, reflecting what it calls a dangerous culture of impunity within the force.
“What HURIWA is highlighting,” Onwubiko continued, “is that a uniformed officer on duty, in front of police headquarters robbed a citizen in broad daylight, and nothing was done. That silence from the authorities says everything about the current leadership of the police.”
The association expressed deep concern over what it sees as a wider erosion of democratic values under the current administration, pointing fingers at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to speak out.
“President Tinubu’s silence is not neutrality, it is complicity, if the Commander-in-Chief will not call his police chief to order while citizens are being brutalized, then Nigerians must begin to ask: who is really in charge of this country?”
HURIWA also referenced previous incidents involving IGP Egbetokun, including allegations of interference in a legal matter involving the Attorney General of Anambra State, accusing him of running the police force as a tool for settling political scores.
“The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 15(5), is unambiguous: the state must abolish all forms of corruption and abuse of power. But what we see under this IGP is the exact opposite entrenched impunity and unchecked lawlessness,” Onwubiko said.
The association has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore, along with urgent medical care for injuries he sustained. It also called for an independent investigation into his mistreatment, as well as criminal prosecution of all officers involved.
“The IGP’s continued stay in office is a direct threat to civil liberties. If President Tinubu refuses to act, the human rights community in Nigeria will not remain silent. We are prepared to take to the streets if necessary. Let the police try arresting or silencing all of us.”
HURIWA concluded by insisting that Nigeria must choose between democracy and dictatorship — and that keeping Egbetokun in office sends the wrong signal to the world.
“If anything happens to Sowore,” Onwubiko declared, “the IGP must be held personally accountable. This country cannot afford to normalize state-sponsored violence against its own citizens.”