Heavy Police Presence As Sowore Appears At Force Headquarters

The Force Headquarters in Abuja was heavily fortified on Monday as armed police officers surrounded the premises in anticipation of Omoyele Sowore’s appearance.

The activist and former presidential candidate was invited for questioning following his viral video alleging police extortion at a checkpoint in Lagos.

Sowore was summoned by the Force Intelligence Department to address several allegations, including resisting public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, and cyberstalking.

The letter inviting Sowore, signed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, stated, “This office is investigating cases of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful order, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servant, and cyberstalking in which your name featured prominently.”

The letter directed Sowore to appear at the Force Intelligence Department on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10 a.m.

In response to the summons, Sowore’s supporters under the banner of the Take It Back Movement launched a campaign to protest against police extortion.

A flier circulated on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), called for a demonstration at the Force Headquarters.

The protest flier, titled Occupy Force Headquarters, featured images of Sowore and the Inspector General of Police with bold red text highlighting their demand for accountability.

By early Monday morning, the roads leading to the Force Headquarters were barricaded by heavily armed officers in anti-riot gear, suggesting precautionary measures in light of the planned protest.