Omoyele Sowore, the prominent activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, walked free from police detention on Friday evening. He maintained that his arrest had been illegitimate from the outset.
In a social media post from his verified account, the #RevolutionNow convener acknowledged supporters’ efforts while condemning his detention: “The Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal & unwarranted detention.”
The controversial arrest earlier this week—which police authorities have yet to officially explain—drew condemnation from civil society groups and international observers who viewed it as another attempt to silence government critics.
Sowore’s frequent legal battles have become emblematic of Nigeria’s shrinking civic space, with this marking at least his fifth detention since 2019 for activism and journalism.
While rights groups welcomed his release, many emphasized the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting dissenters. The police remained silent on the matter as of Friday evening, leaving unanswered questions about the initial justification for apprehending the activist.
“Thank you for not giving up!” Sowore told supporters, pairing his message with the #RevolutionNow hashtag that has repeatedly landed him in legal jeopardy. His statement suggests the movement will continue challenging authorities despite what he frames as systemic persecution.
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