Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the police over the reported mistreatment and arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore by the team working under the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). He described the incident as a misuse of power.

Atiku, who ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, made his position clear through a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday.

He labeled the alleged actions against Sowore as disgraceful, illegal, and driven by personal hatred.

Reports claim that Sowore, a well-known human rights advocate and founder of Sahara Reporters, was assaulted early in the morning by police officers. He was allegedly beaten, had one of his arms broken, and was sprayed with chemicals—this happened after he answered a police invitation tied to a petition reportedly from the IGP’s office.

Atiku stated that Sowore’s only “crime” was using his voice to call out wrongdoing, corruption, and poor governance. He criticized the IGP for taking matters personally, saying it was unfair for someone to be both the accuser and the one enforcing the law. He quoted the law, stressing that police officers are not supposed to use their power for personal reasons or settle personal disputes using official resources.

He went further to say this issue is bigger than just Sowore. According to Atiku, it is an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak the truth. He ended by demanding that Sowore be released immediately and without conditions.