By: Daure David, Political Correspondence
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has once again raised alarm over what he describes as a sustained campaign of harassment and political persecution by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, Sowore recounted his latest encounter with the IGP Monitoring Unit, led by former SARS commander Akin Fakorede, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He described the summons as a “soap opera” orchestrated to intimidate him and undermine the operations of Sahara Reporters.
According to Sowore, the police sought to serve him court summons related to SaharaReporters Media Foundation and SaharaReporters Ltd, both registered entities with the Corporate Affairs Commission. He alleged that the police attempted to stage a spectacle with a cameraman present, demanding explanations about the entities in front of his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar.
Sowore declined to provide written statements, asserting that the summons was part of a broader effort to stifle press freedom and retaliate against Sahara Reporters’ recent exposés on alleged contract splitting and irregular promotions within the police force. He accused IGP Egbetokun of unlawfully remaining in office past the statutory retirement age of 60, which he reached in September 2024.
“I will never meet with Kayode Egbetokun. As far as I am concerned, he ceased to be the legitimate Inspector General of Police when he reached the statutory retirement age,” Sowore stated.
He further alleged that Fakorede offered a backdoor deal to drop charges and return his seized passport in exchange for a truce with Egbetokun an offer Sowore rejected outright.
The activist also referenced past attempts by the Nigerian government to silence Sahara Reporters, including under former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. He cited previous charges of treason, prolonged detentions, and financial restrictions as part of a pattern of state-sponsored repression.
Sowore emphasized that Sahara Reporters is a U.S.-registered media organization and that attempts to litigate against it in American courts have consistently failed.
“Impunity does not last forever,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to fearless journalism and civic activism.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. Meanwhile, civil society groups and legal advocates continue to call for transparency and accountability in the handling of Sowore’s case.
This latest episode adds to the growing tension between Nigerian authorities and independent media platforms, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in the country.
