Popular Nigerian human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of denying him access to proper medical attention while in detention.
Sowore made the allegation on Friday afternoon during a visit by newsmen to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to Hobnob News, the activist was arrested and detained after honouring a police invitation on Wednesday.
Sources told Hobnob News that at about 6 a.m. on Thursday, a team of police officers violently entered Sowore’s detention cell and allegedly broke his right hand. The incident sparked outrage, prompting protesters to storm the Force Headquarters on Friday, demanding his immediate release and describing his detention as unlawful.
In response to the growing criticism, the police led journalists to Sowore’s cell following a press briefing. Speaking from detention in a now-viral video shared by News Central, Sowore reiterated his claims that the police had refused to provide him with proper medical care.
“I’m ashamed of the president of Nigeria, that under his watch, Nigeria has become this kind of foolish theatre,” Sowore said. “Since I came here yesterday, they broke my hand and they have not been able to bring a doctor. They brought a nurse who bandaged my hand, and now they brought the media. Nobody requested for media. They are the ones who brought you people. The Nigeria police has no integrity.”
The Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue an official statement addressing Sowore’s allegations as public calls for his release intensify.
