Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the alleged brutal treatment of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police.

 

In a statement he personally signed on Thursday, Atiku described the reported assault as a shameful abuse of power by the IGP Monitoring Team. He called on the Inspector General of Police to release Sowore immediately and unconditionally.

 

“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule,” Atiku said. “For that, he was reportedly attacked at dawn, beaten, had his arm broken, and sprayed with chemicals by police officers acting on petitions from the IGP’s office. This is personal vendetta, not policing.”

 

He cited Nigeria Police Regulation 367, which prohibits officers from initiating legal action in their own interest, arguing that the IGP cannot act as both complainant and enforcer.

 

“This attack is not just about Sowore, it’s about every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power. This must stop,” he added.

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and several human rights groups have also joined in demanding Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release.

 

Sowore earlier cried out on Thursday morning, claiming his hand was broken during the assault by police officers.