Sowore Declines Bail Conditions, Opts to Remain in Custody

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has rejected the bail conditions set by the Nigeria Police Force, opting to remain in custody.

Sowore appeared at the police headquarters in Abuja on Monday for questioning over allegations of cyberstalking, negligent acts, and intimidation. These charges stem from a viral video in which he confronted police officers who had stopped his vehicle at a checkpoint in Lagos.

After his appearance, Sowore criticized the process, describing it as a “joke” and accusing the police of failing to clarify the charges against him. He revealed that the bail conditions required him to deposit his international passport and present a level 17 civil servant as a guarantor—conditions he refused to meet.

Accompanied by his legal team, Sowore declined to provide a statement at the police headquarters, citing the lack of clear information regarding the allegations.

He also claimed that the police intended to detain him and transfer him to Lagos for what he described as a “kangaroo trial.”

“I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 permanent secretary,” Sowore said. “Instead, I have offered to remain in police custody pending when this joke is over.”

The activist remains in police custody as the situation unfolds.