News
Protesters Demand Release of Omoyele Sowore at Force Headquarters
Mariam Sanni
A peaceful protest took place today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where demonstrators demanded the immediate release of human right activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore.
It was gathered that the activist was detained by the authorities when he honoured an invitation extended to him by the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
His legal counsel, Barrister Alex Oketa, described the detention as unconstitutional, stating Sowore has the right to remain silent under Nigerian law and is not obligated to make any statement.
He also accused the police of holding Sowore beyond the legally allowed period.
Comrade Oshioks Philips of the AAC joined in condemning the detention, urging respect for the rule of law.
He accused the police of refusing to disclose the petition against Sowore, noted that protesters will not leave the police environment until Sowore is released unconditionally.
He noted that Sowore’s fundamental human rights have been violated in detention.
“He decided not to pen down any form of statement, because, as a freeborn, we deserve to see the petition written against him at the end of the day. But unfortunately, nothing was presented on that basis.
“The information we got was he was going to be detained within the facility of FID for that day only for us to return in the morning to discover he was no longer there, so for us, we feel he was kidnapped, because his whereabouts are still unknown to us.
“So how can it be that the one we brought before your facility was kidnapped from your facility? No, he was not just kidnapped. There is evidence of him being brutalised because we could see the injuries he sustained, and for us, he has a broken arm,” he said.
In response, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle confirmed that two petitions, alleging document forgery and cyberbullying, were filed against Sowore. He said the allegations were formally presented in the presence of Sowore’s lawyers, and that his detention followed due process.
He added the case is unrelated to Sowore’s political or human rights activities, and that he remains in safe custody with legal access.
His words: “Two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in the presence of his two lawyers, one bordered on forgery, forgery of police documents, which he published online. And we all know the law’s position. It is your duty to provide the source or explain how you obtained the documents. Then the second petition has to do with cyberbullying, regarding a false allegation.
The petitions were shown to him in the presence of the two lawyers, but the issue is that he refused to make statements in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record.
“He refused to make a written statement. The procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon. You have a duty to put down your own position. If you cannot write, it is not compulsory that you write in English. If you cannot write, somebody will write for you and read and interpret for you, and you sign.”
News
Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.
The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.
Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.
The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.
“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.
The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.
He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
