Sowore Appears at Force Headquarters in Abuja

Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning to honor an invitation from the police. He was seen at the premises at exactly 9:58 a.m., following a summons issued after he shared a viral video accusing police officers at a Lagos checkpoint of extortion.

The police summoned Sowore to address a series of allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly intended to prevent lawful arrests.

An invitation letter from the Force Intelligence Department stated:
“This office is investigating a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking, in which your name featured prominently.

“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Monday, 27th January, 2025, at 10 a.m.”

In response to the invitation, the Take It Back Movement, a group supportive of Sowore, circulated a flier on social media to rally against police extortion. The flier, which went viral on X (formerly Twitter), displayed images of Sowore and the Inspector General of Police, alongside bold red text reading, “Occupy Force Headquarters.”

As the day began, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were heavily barricaded by armed officers in anti-riot gear, a move likely aimed at preventing any disruption from the planned protest.

As of the time of this report, Sowore was still engaged in discussions at the Force Intelligence Department, while the atmosphere outside the complex remained tense but peaceful.

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