In a rare act of solidarity, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, removed his undershirt and handed it over to a detainee at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja on Sunday.
The detainee, Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as “Seaking,” has been in police custody since his arrest and transfer from Lagos. Barrister Tope Temokun, who visited the detention facility alongside Sowore, shared the experience in a Facebook post, describing it as an unforgettable moment.
According to Temokun, Sowore had asked Ogunsanwo if he needed anything. The detainee mentioned that he wanted to buy loaves of bread for fellow inmates, who were hungry, and that he had been wearing the same shirt since his arrest. Moved by this, Sowore made an unexpected gesture.
“I immediately stood up, hoping to get some shirts for him outside the police yard,” Temokun wrote. “But Sowore said he would pull his undershirt for him and, once we stepped out, he would get another.”
What seemed like a casual remark turned into immediate action. In front of onlooking police officers, Sowore took off his undershirt and handed it to Ogunsanwo. The officers reportedly looked on in astonishment.
The act, coming on a Sunday—traditionally observed as the Sabbath day—drew comparisons to biblical teachings on kindness and selflessness.
Sowore, a longtime advocate for justice and democracy in Nigeria, has been vocal about police brutality and the rights of detainees. His latest action reinforces his unwavering commitment to standing with those facing oppression.
Ogunsanwo remains in custody, while activists continue to call for his release.