Sowore Remains in Custody After Rejecting Bail Terms 

Omoyele Sowore continues to be held in detention after rejecting bail conditions, raising concerns about justice and human rights in Nigeria.

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and politician, has been indefinitely detained by the Nigeria Police Force following his refusal to accept the bail conditions for his release.

Sowore was called in for questioning regarding his exposé on supposed police extortion in Lagos. However, he rejected the bail conditions that demanded a level 16 civil servant as a guarantor and required him to hand over his international passport.

The activist characterized the conditions as “illegal” and a breach of his fundamental rights. His indefinite detention has triggered public outrage and intensified demands for greater transparency in police practices.

The activist announced his decision on X, stating, “I refuse to be part of any arrangement that compromises my personal integrity.”

His legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), backed his stance by referencing a Court of Appeal decision in Dasuki v. Director-General, S.S.S., which deemed such bail conditions unconstitutional.

Falana contended that the participation of public servants in bail arrangements violates civil service rules and weakens anti-corruption initiatives.

Sowore is being detained at a police facility in Abuja that was previously utilized by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

“I’d prefer to stay in custody until this farce ends,” declared Sowore.

The activist’s clash with the authorities occurs alongside continuous efforts by the Take It Back Movement to eliminate police extortion and illegal roadblocks nationwide.