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Sowore: Afenifere Condemns Police Assault, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedAugust 7, 2025

The Afenifere National Youth Council has expressed displeasure over the reported assault on activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore by officers of the Nigeria Police Force following his detention by the police.

In a statement issued by the Council’s National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, the group described the incident, which he said left Sowore with a broken arm.

Calling for immediate accountability, the youth council demanded that the police either release Sowore or charge him in court within 48 hours.

They warned that the police would be held responsible if any harm befalls him.

Ojajuni noted that Sowore’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy should be respected, not met with brutality, reaffirming the council’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

The Council urged the Nigeria Police Force to act with integrity and ensure that citizens’ rights are protected, irrespective of their political or ideological stance.

According to the statement, “The National President of Afenifere National Youths Council, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, has strongly condemned the recent brutal treatment meted out to Omoyele Sowore during his visit to the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit for an interview. Reports indicate that Sowore suffered a broken arm as a result of this encounter, a situation that is not only against the law but also a blatant disregard for humanity.

“Prince Ojajuni emphasized that the law does not grant anyone the license to behave like beasts. No one is above the law, not even the Inspector General of Police.

“If Sowore has committed an offense, he should be charged accordingly and given a fair trial. However, taking him to an unknown destination without due process is unacceptable.”

“If anything untoward happens to Sowore, the Nigeria Police Force will have a lot to account for,” Ojajuni warned.

The statement said, “We hereby give the Nigerian Police Force a 48-hour ultimatum to either release Omoyele Sowore or charge him to court. It is imperative that the rights of every citizen are respected and protected, especially those who have contributed significantly to the democratic progress of our nation.”

“Sowore’s contributions to our democracy should be respected and acknowledged,” Ojajuni stressed. “His sacrifice and dedication to the cause of democracy in Nigeria should not be met with brutality and disrespect.”

“The Afenifere National Youths Council stands firm in its commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law. We urge the Nigerian Police Force to act with integrity and responsibility in handling this matter,” Ojajuni added.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.