Activist Omoyele Sowore was questioned by Nigerian police over a viral video alleging extortion by officers on Lagos’ airport road. Sowore, known for #RevolutionNow, accused officers of illegal activities. This follows his 2024 detention and dropped treason charges. Supporters demand accountability, reigniting debates on freedom of expression and police conduct.
Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian activist and #RevolutionNow leader, was questioned by the police on Monday after a viral video surfaced, showing him accusing officers of extortion. The incident occurred on the Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Lagos, where Sowore claimed police officers engaged in illegal activities after stopping his vehicle.
The video sparked outrage on social media, prompting the police to invite Sowore for questioning. He arrived at the Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja, accompanied by his legal team and supporters, who rallied outside the facility, singing solidarity songs.
This is not Sowore's first confrontation with law enforcement. In September 2024, he was briefly detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. Earlier, in February 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treasonable felony charges against him, following a withdrawal by the Attorney General of the Federation.
Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Nigeria's pro-democracy movements. His latest police encounter has reignited debates about police accountability and the rights of activists to speak out against alleged corruption and misconduct.
The police have not yet provided an official statement on the interrogation's outcome. Sowore’s supporters continue to demand transparency and an end to the perceived harassment of activists.
