Abuse of Power: Peter Obi Reacts to Omoyele Sowore’s Detention Without Charges
Peter Obi blasts the Nigerian Police for detaining Sowore after he honoured their invitation, urging respect for justice and the rule of law.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power. Sowore was reportedly detained on Thursday shortly after voluntarily honouring an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force, with no official charges disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Obi expressed concern over the circumstances of the arrest, noting that Sowore had presented himself in good faith to law enforcement.
“From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment,” Obi said. “To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”
Quoting Greek philosopher Plato, Obi warned that unjust actions by those in authority erode the moral foundation of the state. He urged the Nigerian Police to either release Sowore immediately or charge him formally in accordance with the law.
“It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens—regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment,” he added.
As of press time, the Nigerian Police Force had yet to issue an official statement regarding Sowore’s arrest.
