Omoyele Sowore Rejects Police Bail Conditions Chooses to Remain in Custody

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has rejected the bail conditions set by the Nigerian police, choosing instead to remain in custody.

Sowore appeared at the Force Criminal Intelligence Department (FCID) in Abuja at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, in response to a summons for questioning. This followed the release of a viral video in which he accused police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos of engaging in extortion.

While Sowore was offered bail, he declined to accept the conditions imposed, which included the surrender of his international passport and the provision of a Grade Level 17 officer as a surety. He argued that these conditions were unreasonable and violated his rights. Sowore emphasized that he would not accept bail that compromised his integrity and dignity.

His legal team, led by prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), has supported his decision, citing a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal that deemed similar bail conditions illegal. Sowore’s stance highlights his continued commitment to his activism, particularly in addressing issues of police misconduct and human rights abuses in Nigeria.

This is not the first time Sowore has faced legal challenges. In September 2024, he was briefly detained upon his return to Nigeria, and his passport was confiscated by the authorities. However, it was later returned to him. His decision to remain in custody underscores his ongoing resistance to what he perceives as unjust legal practices.