The Force Headquarters in Abuja witnessed a heavy deployment of armed policemen on Monday, following the scheduled appearance of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore.
The activist was invited by the police for questioning after he uploaded a viral video alleging extortion by officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
Sowore was summoned to address multiple allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and actions allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
The letter from the Force Intelligence Department of the NPF partly read, “This office is investigating cases of Resisting and Obstructing Public Officers, Disobedience to Lawful Order, Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm or Prevent Arrest, Compelling Action by Intimidation, Reckless & Negligent Acts, Refusal to Assist Public Servant and Cyberstalking in which your name featured, prominently.
“You are requested to report for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Monday, 27th January 2025 at 10 am.”
In response to Sowore’s summons, a group, the Take It Back Movement circulated a flier on social media, calling for a protest against police extortion at the Force Headquarters.
The flier, which gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), featured images of Sowore and the Inspector General of Police side-by-side with bold red text reading, “Occupy Force Headquarters.”
As early as Monday morning, roads leading to the Force Headquarters were barricaded by heavily armed officers equipped with anti-riot gear. The precautionary measures appeared to be a response to the planned demonstration.(Punch)
