Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has condemned the detention and assault of human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force after he voluntarily honored an invitation by the force.
Sowore had honored an invitation by the force to the headquarters on Wednesday when he was detained on controversial charges.
However, on thursday, it was revealed that the journalist was being tortured in custody as his right hand was broken after a CSP barged into his cell and tried taking him away to another cell.
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Reacting to the situation at hand, Falana in a statement on Friday described Sowore’s treatment in custody as a violation of constitutional rights and demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged abuse.
He stated; “As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence.
“However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“To that extent, he is entitled to humane treatment in the custody of the police.”
He further demanded that the officers who were said to have tortured Sowore be investigated.
He added; “We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
“Meanwhile, Mr. Sowore should be released from further police custody to enable him to receive urgent medical treatment.”
