Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for an immediate investigation into the detention and alleged torture of Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Friday, Falana condemned Sowore’s “unlawful detention and assault” reportedly carried out by officers under the Inspector-General of Police’s monitoring team, describing the act as a gross violation of the publisher’s constitutional rights.
“As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence,” Falana said.
“However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). To that extent, he is entitled to humane treatment in the custody of the police.”
Citing the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, Falana stressed that the officers responsible for the alleged torture must face justice.
“We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017. Meanwhile, Mr. Sowore should be released from further police custody to enable him to receive urgent medical treatment,” he stated.
