Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate and prominent activist, has been granted bail by the Nigeria Police Force following an engagement with the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja. Sowore, who was summoned over allegations including disobedience to lawful orders, obstructing public officers, cyberstalking, and acts allegedly aimed at preventing arrests, announced his release on Monday, January 27, 2025.
In a statement posted on his social media, Sowore revealed that Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galandachi, informed him of the bail offer, pending the conclusion of investigations. “The DIG of FID, Dasuki Galandachi, at the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja had just informed me that he has instructed his personnel to grant me bail, pending the conclusion of the ‘investigation,’” Sowore wrote.
While accepting the bail, the activist stated that he would not agree to conditions that compromise his innocence or integrity. “If such unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court. Even then, I know that there is no crime defined or to be investigated—it is just the impunity that has become the hallmark of the PoliceNG hierarchy,” he added.
Sowore alleged that his detention stemmed from his vocal opposition to the tenure extension of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police. He further claimed that there were plans to detain him and transfer him to Lagos for what he described as a “kangaroo trial.”
The activist, known for his outspoken criticism of government actions, reiterated his commitment to defending his rights and continuing his advocacy for justice and good governance. The police have yet to issue a statement on the allegations or Sowore’s claims.
Sowore’s bail comes amid increasing scrutiny of law enforcement actions and calls for transparency in handling cases involving critics of the government.
