The Nigeria Police Force has extended an invitation to Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, for questioning regarding a viral video. The video captures an altercation between Sowore and police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
A letter dated January 23, 2025, and signed by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Commissioner of Police (OPS), conveyed the invitation. The letter requested Sowore’s presence for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), in Abuja.
Sowore has been asked to report on Monday, January 27, 2025, for the scheduled interview. This development follows a viral video posted by Sowore on social media platforms, which sparked a reaction from the police.
“This office is investigating case of Resisting and Obstructing Public Officers, Disobedience to Lawful Order, Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm or Prevent Arrest, Compelling Action by Intimidation, Reckless & Negligent Acts, Refusal to Assist Public Servant and Cyberstalking in which your name featured, prominently,” the letter reads. “You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Monday, 27th January, 2025 at 10am.
“This request is made pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Police by the combined effects of Sections 214 and the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020. “Be informed that you are at liberty to come along with your attorney, please.”
On Wednesday night, SaharaReporters reported that the police had launched a manhunt for Sowore following the video. A source informed the publication that the manhunt was initiated by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi. The source revealed that Adejobi had appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take action against Sowore. This led to the initiation of the manhunt.Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is currently in Nigeria. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 4, 2025, for a cybercrime trial initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko.
On Thursday, Sowore revealed that a senior police officer had summoned him for questioning regarding the video. The video in question shows Nigerian police officers stopping vehicles on the road, including Sowore’s. In the video, Sowore confronted the officers, criticizing them for creating unnecessary traffic on the airport road. He emphasized that their actions were inappropriate and disruptive.
“I have just concluded a conversation with the senior Nigeria Police Force officer in Abuja, who requested my presence for questioning regarding an extortion video I did at a police ‘checkpoint’ in Lagos, which prompted the police hierarchy to launch a manhunt for me,” he wrote.
“He informed me that the ‘charges’ are not yet prepared. I am still awaiting. #revolutionnow.”
Despite his objections, the police officers stood in front of his car, insisting he park. Sowore, however, refused and firmly demanded that the officers clear the road. Eventually, one of the officers instructed his colleagues to allow Sowore to proceed.
As Sowore drove off, one officer was heard saying, “God punish you,” to which Sowore promptly responded, “God punish you too.” The video has sparked a mixed reaction from Nigerians, with some commending Sowore’s boldness and others criticizing his response to the officers.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
