Human rights lawyer, Tope Temokun, has submitted a formal petition to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), calling for the arrest of a police officer identified as Aku Victor Chiemerie.
Temokun’s appeal comes in the wake of a disturbing incident involving the forceful removal of AI-powered eyeglasses from pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, during a peaceful demonstration in Abuja. The protest, held on Monday, July 21, 2025, took place at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, also known as Louis Edet House, and was aimed at drawing attention to the poor welfare and retirement benefits of Nigerian police officers.
Sowore had joined other rights activists and retired police personnel in the demonstration. However, the protest was marred by the conduct of Officer Aku Victor Chiemerie, a police cameraman reportedly working under the direction of ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
In a petition dated July 22, 2025, Temokun Chambers accused Chiemerie of snatching Sowore’s advanced Ray-Ban glasses. According to the lawyer, the eyewear is not just a medical accessory but also equipped with artificial intelligence technology, containing highly sensitive and private data.
The petition described the incident as “an act of theft in its most disgraceful form,” emphasizing that the glasses were specially prescribed for Sowore and have a current market value exceeding N1 million.
“The eyewear in question is far from ordinary,” the petition read. “These glasses serve a medical purpose and are powered by artificial intelligence. In addition to their estimated worth of over N1 million, they also store confidential personal data including private communications and recordings.”
Temokun’s petition went further to implicate ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, alleging that the theft was carried out under his supervision. The lawyer claimed that Officer Chiemerie was shielded by other police operatives after committing the act and escaped into the Police Headquarters while holding the stolen item, as video footage widely shared online allegedly shows.
The petition states: “Our Client has informed us, and we are aware, that the entire sequence of events was captured on video. These recordings, now circulating online, clearly show Mr. Aku Victor Chiemerie committing the act, seizing the glasses and fleeing the scene while being protected by his colleagues.”
It added that Sowore and fellow demonstrators were obstructed from apprehending the officer. Temokun asserted that the incident was not an isolated action but appeared to be a coordinated effort sanctioned by Adejobi, who holds supervisory power over Chiemerie.
“This reflects a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of public trust reposed in the Nigeria Police Force,” the lawyer emphasized.
Temokun criticized the police for abandoning their constitutional responsibilities and instead providing cover for what he called “agents of lawlessness.” He maintained that no law enforcement officer made any effort to intervene or retrieve the stolen item, despite witnessing the event in real time.
Referencing Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, Temokun stressed that the officers failed in their statutory responsibility, thereby demonstrating a systemic breakdown or intentional collusion within the Force.
The petition added: “There is no ambiguity regarding the intention behind the act—it was a deliberate attempt to deprive Our Client of his property. The suspect’s escape, the absence of disciplinary action, and the refusal to return the glasses only strengthen the case for criminal prosecution.”
Temokun noted that even if the stolen eyewear is eventually returned, the damage is likely irreparable due to the compromise of personal data stored on the AI device.
“As at the time of this petition, the glasses are still in the possession of Mr. Aku Victor Chiemerie, who remains under the operational jurisdiction of ACP Muyiwa Adejobi,” the lawyer stated.
He concluded by demanding not only the immediate arrest and prosecution of Chiemerie but also the prompt recovery and safe return of the device. Additionally, Temokun insisted that the Nigeria Police Force issue a public apology for what he described as a premeditated and coordinated act of criminality. He warned that the matter must not be ignored or trivialized.
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