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CP Shogunle cites refusal to make statement during interrogation
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Two petitions allege forgery of police document and cyberbullying
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Protests erupt nationwide demanding activist’s release
The Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, has said that the continued detention of African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Omoyele Sowore, followed his refusal to make a statement during interrogation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Addressing protesters and journalists in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, CP Shogunle said Sowore was confronted with two petitions, one alleging the forgery of a police document which he published online, and another accusing him of cyberbullying.
He stated that the petitions were presented to the activist in the presence of his lawyers, but that he declined to put his position on record, prompting the police to act in line with legal procedures.
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Sowore, who recently led a protest demanding improved welfare for retired police officers and criticised a promotion exercise within the Nigeria Police Force, had honoured an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit on Wednesday before being detained.
READ ALSO: Atiku Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Calls It Shameful Abuse of Power
CP Shogunle insisted that the police were following due process and offered to take a select number of protesters to see Sowore’s condition in custody, adding that no force was used to compel him to speak.
He maintained that the law empowers the police to take necessary steps when a suspect chooses to remain silent.
