Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has turned down the bail conditions set by the Nigeria Police Force after he was summoned for questioning regarding a viral video he shared.
In the video, Sowore exposed alleged police extortion on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.
On Monday, Sowore took to his X account, revealing that he had rejected the bail condition, which required him to provide a Level 17 Permanent Secretary as surety.
Instead, he stated his decision to remain in police custody until the investigation is resolved.
He referred to the entire situation as a “joke,” suggesting he would stay detained until it concluded.
Earlier, Sowore disclosed that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) had informed him that personnel had been instructed to grant him bail.
However, the bail would only be granted pending the completion of the investigation into the case.
The police are investigating Sowore on various charges, including resisting public officers, obstructing justice, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and other related offenses.
These charges stem from his video that exposed police officers allegedly setting up roadblocks with the aim of soliciting bribes.
In another post, Sowore expressed his refusal to accept bail under conditions that compromised his dignity, innocence, and integrity.
He emphasized that if the police imposed unreasonable bail terms, he would opt to stay in detention until he was formally charged in court.
Sowore believes the charges lack merit and are driven by the police’s impunity.
Sowore also shared details of his previous meeting with the police, which he described as an “interview.”
He criticized the police for relying on vague and rehashed information, mainly from the internet.
When asked about the specifics of the alleged crime, the police struggled to provide clear answers, only mentioning the airport road as the location.
Sowore declined to give a written statement, stating that there was no defined crime to investigate.
After the meeting, the police took a break and later told Sowore that they were awaiting further instructions from their superiors.
He expressed concern that the authorities might be planning to take him to Lagos for a “kangaroo trial,” but he remained firm in his resolve to face any consequences.
Sowore also reiterated his stance on the current leadership of the Nigeria Police, particularly criticizing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his alleged illegal tenure extension.
