Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected the bail conditions imposed by the police following his questioning over a viral video exposing alleged police extortion on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport access road in Lagos.
In a post on his X account on Monday, Sowore revealed that the Deputy Inspector General of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Dasuki Galandachi, directed that he be granted bail.
However, the activist rejected the bail, describing the terms as harsh and unreasonable, particularly the condition requiring a level 17 permanent secretary to stand as his surety.
“I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 permanent secretary. Instead, I have offered to remain in police custody pending when the joke is over with,” Sowore wrote.
The police are reportedly investigating Sowore for multiple allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause harm, and cyber-stalking.
Sowore maintains that the accusations against him stem from his viral video confronting police officers allegedly engaged in bribery and corruption.
In his defense, Sowore stated that his actions were aimed at exposing injustice and holding authorities accountable. He also reiterated his stance on not compromising his integrity during the ongoing police investigation.
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“I will not agree to conditions that compromise my innocence, dignity, and integrity. If such unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court,” Sowore said.
He accused the police of relying on outdated and vague information to build their case, pointing out that no clear evidence of a crime has been presented.
According to Sowore, police officials hinted at plans to detain him further and possibly transfer him to Lagos for what he described as a “kangaroo trial.” Despite these developments, the activist declared his readiness to face any consequences.
“The fight for justice will persist,” Sowore concluded, while emphasizing his belief in the illegality of the extended tenure of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
