Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has confirmed that he will honor an official invitation from the Nigerian Police Force following the viral circulation of a video he shared, which accused police officers of extorting motorists at a checkpoint in Lagos. The video, which quickly gained traction online, led to widespread public outcry and prompted the Nigerian Police to launch an investigation into the claims.
Sowore, who has been vocal in his criticisms of government institutions, shared the news of the invitation through a post on X.com (formerly Twitter) on Friday. “The PoliceNG invitation has arrived. I will be there on Monday as requested,” Sowore wrote, attaching a photo of the official letter sent to him by the Nigerian Police. The invitation specifies that the meeting will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex in Abuja.
The viral video, which Sowore shared on social media, alleges that police officers stationed at a Lagos checkpoint were involved in extorting money from motorists. The video quickly attracted significant attention, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the claims. The Nigerian Police Force responded to the allegations by launching a formal investigation into the matter, but reports also surfaced suggesting that a “manhunt” had been initiated for Sowore in connection with the video.
In the invitation letter, which was sent by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigerian Police, Sowore was informed of several charges that may be leveled against him. These charges include resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and others. The police also informed Sowore that he was being summoned to discuss the contents of the video and the allegations contained within it.
The invitation, which was officially dated for January 27, 2025, also provided Sowore with the opportunity to bring legal counsel with him to the meeting. This detail was included to ensure that Sowore’s rights are respected during the investigation process, as per the Nigerian law. The meeting will be held with the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the FID Complex in Abuja, and Sowore is expected to respond to the allegations directly.
As Sowore prepares for the upcoming meeting with the Nigerian Police, his decision to attend has generated considerable attention. Supporters of the activist have rallied behind him, while others are eager to see how the situation will unfold. Sowore has long been a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics, and his actions, including this recent video, have frequently sparked debates about the state of law enforcement and governance in Nigeria.
The outcome of the meeting with the police remains uncertain, but it is clear that Sowore’s ongoing activism will continue to attract both scrutiny and support. With the Nigerian Police investigating the claims of extortion and Sowore facing potential legal consequences, this developing situation will likely remain in the public spotlight for the foreseeable future.
