In a dramatic turn of events, human rights activist and vocal government critic, Omoyele Sowore, has been detained indefinitely by the Nigeria Police Force after rejecting what he described as “illegal” bail conditions. The fiery activist’s detention has sparked widespread discourse on the Nigerian police’s use of bail conditions to stifle dissent and clamp down on perceived opposition.
Sowore, known for his unrelenting fight against corruption and abuse of power, announced via his official X account on Monday that the police would hold him in custody until further notice. His refusal to comply with the bail terms, which include producing a Level 16 civil servant as a surety and surrendering his international passport, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and human rights advocates.
Sowore described the conditions as an affront to his personal integrity, vowing to remain in custody rather than succumb to what he termed a violation of his rights. “I refuse to participate in any arrangement that undermines my personal integrity,” he declared.
Femi Falana (SAN), Sowore’s legal counsel and one of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights lawyers, backed his client’s stance. Falana cited a landmark Court of Appeal ruling in Dasuki v. Director-General, State Security Service, which deemed such bail conditions illegal.
In his letter to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of the Federal Intelligence Department, Dasuki Galandachi, Falana wrote:
“The issue of involving civil servants or public officers in bail conditions has never been the practice in Nigeria or any part of the civilized world. It is contrary to our Civil and Public Service Rules and undermines the war against corruption. This practice must be discontinued immediately.”
The controversial bail terms were imposed following Sowore’s invitation to police headquarters in connection with a viral video exposing alleged extortion by officers along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
The police accused Sowore of a slew of offenses, including resisting arrest, obstructing public officers, cyberstalking, and disobedience to lawful orders. However, critics argue that these charges are trumped-up, aimed at intimidating the activist and silencing his advocacy against systemic corruption.
Despite being informed by the DIG of FID that he was eligible for bail pending further investigation, Sowore maintained his position. “I have advised the DIG that I will not accept any conditions that compromise my innocence, dignity, or integrity. If unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court,” he stated.
This latest confrontation adds to a long list of clashes between Sowore and the Nigerian authorities. The activist, who previously contested for Nigeria’s presidency, has been a thorn in the side of successive governments, using his platform, Sahara Reporters, to expose corruption, human rights violations, and abuse of power.
Sowore’s detention has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and social media users, many of whom view the incident as part of a larger campaign to suppress dissent. His stance has also reignited debates about the arbitrary use of bail conditions as a tool for harassment in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Falana’s reference to the Dasuki case has further amplified calls for the judiciary to take a definitive stance on such practices. In that case, the Court of Appeal categorically rejected bail conditions requiring public servants to act as sureties, declaring them incompatible with public service rules and the principles of justice.
Falana argued:
> “Expecting a Level 16 civil servant to own property worth millions of naira undermines the war against corruption and sets an unattainable bar for justice. This practice must be struck down as unconstitutional.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who accuse the Nigerian police of weaponizing the law to intimidate activists. “This is yet another example of impunity and abuse of power by the police,” said one activist.
As Sowore remains in custody, the spotlight intensifies on Nigeria’s justice system, with many calling for urgent reforms to prevent the use of bail conditions as a tool for oppression. The case has also galvanized public support for Sowore, who is seen as a symbol of resilience in the face of institutional injustice.
For now, Sowore has chosen to remain behind bars, standing firm in his belief that integrity must not be compromised. His legal team, led by Falana, has vowed to challenge the conditions in court, potentially setting a new legal precedent.
The unfolding saga not only highlights Sowore’s enduring fight for justice but also raises critical questions about the balance of power in Nigeria’s democracy. Will the judiciary intervene to uphold the rule of law, or will this case mark another chapter in the country’s struggle against systemic abuse? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 