Sowore had been detained on Wednesday after honouring an invitation from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. Police authorities said he was being investigated over two petitions alleging forgery of police documents and cyberbullying.
In a statement on Thursday, his lawyer, Tope Temokun, accused the police of subjecting the activist to inhumane treatment. Temokun claimed Sowore was moved to an undisclosed location in the early hours of Thursday, under circumstances that left him physically injured.
Upon his release, Sowore took to Facebook, describing his detention as “illegal and unjust.”
“The Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up!” he wrote.
Addressing journalists earlier on Friday from the detention facility, Sowore questioned the basis for his arrest, accusing the Inspector-General of targeting opposition voices. He alleged that police tried to create a false public impression of his wellbeing despite his injuries, claiming his hand was broken during detention and that he was denied access to proper medical care.
“Instead of bringing a doctor, they brought a nurse and the media to make it look like I’m fine,” Sowore said, with his bandaged hand visible. “What they should have done is release me, apologise, and let me get proper treatment.”
His continued detention had sparked widespread outrage from rights groups, political leaders, and supporters across the country. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties, urging authorities to drop all charges.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the detention as a “shameful abuse of power,” while Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described it as “a miscarriage of justice.” Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana also demanded an investigation into the alleged torture, citing the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
Supporters staged protests in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, and Osun States on Friday, calling for Sowore’s immediate release. However, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, said Sowore’s detention continued due to his alleged refusal to make a statement.
