Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody following what he described as an “unjust, unwarranted and unlawful” detention.

Sowore was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, August 6, over petitions alleging forgery of a police document and cyberbullying. He accused the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun of acting unlawfully, claiming he was assaulted during the arrest, sustained injuries, and was held at an undisclosed location without access to his lawyers.

“I have been released from unjust, unwarranted and unlawful detention… You’ve all seen the power of unity,” Sowore wrote on X, crediting public pressure and the “revolutionary movement” for securing his release.

Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle stated that Sowore was detained after allegedly refusing to make a statement during interrogation.

The arrest triggered widespread condemnation from civil society organisations, political figures, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). NLC President Joe Ajaero described Sowore as a “moral compass” and called for his immediate release.

In a video message after regaining freedom, Sowore reaffirmed his resolve to continue his activism:
“You cannot detain an idea whose time has come. The revolution has just started.”