The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has written a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the alleged assault and threat to the life of Omoyele Sowore, the National Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC). Sowore, a human rights activist and presidential candidate of the AAC in the 2023 presidential election, was arrested after honoring an invitation at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters and was released on Friday evening. The police have not made the charges against him.
In the petition signed by IPAC’s national Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, the organization expressed its concerns over the alleged assault on Sowore’s person while in police custody. IPAC stated that the police had once again shown itself in bad light, and the images from the alleged assault suggest a premeditated action by the police to either maim or kill Sowore in detention. The organization demanded that the officers and men responsible for the alleged assault and attempt on Sowore’s life should be dismissed and prosecuted.
IPAC argued that the conduct of the police officers and men is a violation of Sowore’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The organization demanded that if the investigation reveals that Sowore committed any offense, he should be charged to court instead of being detained beyond the time allowed by the Constitution.
The petition highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the police force. IPAC’s demand for the dismissal and prosecution of the officers and men responsible for the alleged assault on Sowore is a call to action for the police authorities to take responsibility for the actions of their personnel. The organization is seeking justice for Sowore and ensuring that the police force operates within the bounds of the law.
The alleged assault on Sowore has sparked widespread concern, and IPAC’s petition to the IGP is a significant step towards seeking justice. The police authorities must take immediate action to investigate the allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The incident highlights the need for police reform and the importance of upholding human rights in Nigeria.
