Lagos Airport Road Extortion Video: Police threatens Legal Action Against Sowore
As part of it antics to throw a suspect off balanced the Nigerian police have issued a threat of legal action against Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore following his refusal to provide a statement concerning a viral video that exposed police extortion activities along Airport Road in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Recall that the video, which has gained public attention across the nation, showed officers impeding traffic flow, apparently to extort money from motorists.
Sowore, who is known for his outspoken stance against human rights abuses, shared the video, bringing attention to the alleged misconduct.
He was subsequently invited for questioning by the police over the viral video.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) honoured the police invitation on Monday morning, around 9.50 am.
Meanwhile, Sowore’s supporters have rallied in his defence, showing solidarity for his activism.
However, reports from the ground indicate that FID police officers have responded harshly, reportedly chasing away Sowore’s supporters in a bid to suppress the growing public outcry.
A source said, “He’s now in with his lawyers and they are forcing him to write a statement.
“Now they threatened him that since he refused to write they are taking him to court.
“He then asked them, which court so we know, but they said they can’t tell him,” the source said.
“He is now being taken in to write his statement after the police DIG Dasuki read the charges to him and before the media.
“He’s with his lawyers, Marshal Abubakar and Deji Adeyanju,” the source added.
The invitation letter asked Sowore to report on Monday, January 27, 2025, for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID).
According to the police, it is “investigating a case of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful order, acts intended to cause grievous harm or prevent arrest, compelling action by intimidation, reckless & negligent acts, refusal to assist public servant and cyberstalking in which your name featured, prominently”
It was learned from sources on Saturday that the invitation is not related to the video but rather stems from a deep-seated personal grudge that the police boss Egbetokun holds against the Publisher of SaharaReporters.
According to sources, the invitation is motivated by Sowore’s nickname for Egbetokun – “Illegal IG,” in reference to his tenure being extended beyond the retirement age.
