Sowore Makes Appearance at Force Head quarter in Abuja.

Omoyele Sowore, a publisher and human rights advocate, came to the Force Intelligence Department Headquarters in Abuja on Monday to be questioned by police.

After uploading a viral video claiming that he had been extorted by police at a Lagos checkpoint, Sowore received an invitation from the police and appeared at 9:58 a.m.

The activist was called to respond to a number of accusations, such as hindering and resisting public officials, disobeying legal directives, cyberstalking, and actions purportedly meant to thwart arrests.

Part of the invitation letter from the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department said:

“Your name was prominently featured in a case that this office is looking into involving resisting and obstructing public officers, disobeying legal orders, acts meant to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless and negligent acts, refusal to assist public servants, and cyberstalking.”

A group called the Take It Back Movement reacted to the summons by posting a flyer on social media urging people to demonstrate against police extortion at the Force Headquarters. The flyer, which went viral on X (previously Twitter), showed Sowore and the Inspector General of Police side by side with the words “Occupy Force Headquarters” written in bright red.

Early early Monday morning, heavily armed officers wearing anti-riot gear had sealed the roads leading to the Force Headquarters.

It seems that the heightened security was a preventative measure against the planned protest.

While the situation outside the complex remained tense but under control, Sowore was still at the Force Intelligence Department for the planned interview at the time this report was filed.