Sowore reveals police summons over viral extortion video

Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has summoned him for questioning over a viral video exposing alleged extortion at a police checkpoint in Lagos.

Raising the alarm about a possible arrest and prosecution, the Ondo-born candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2019 and 2023 general elections revealed that police authorities were preparing charges against him for posting the controversial video on social media.

Taking to his Facebook page on Thursday, Sowore stated, “I have just concluded a conversation with the senior Nigeria Police Force officer in Abuja, who requested my presence for questioning regarding an extortion video I did at a police ‘checkpoint’ in Lagos, which prompted the police hierarchy to launch a manhunt for me. He informed me that the ‘charges’ are not yet prepared. I am still awaiting.”

The activist, a fierce critic of government practices, claims the viral footage highlights systemic corruption and extortion at police checkpoints.

Sowore shared the update alongside images with his lawyer, Dele Adeyanju, as he prepares to face the police’s inquiries.

PUNCH Online reports that the NPF had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, in a recent post on his official X handle on Wednesday night, Sowore had alleged that the police are currently “searching” for him.

The activist, however, expressed readiness for the arrest, stating that he is currently available in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The post read, “I have been informed that the Nigeria Police Force is searching for me. I am currently in Abuja and available at their convenience.

“It appears that the new year is about to start on a positive note! #RevolutionNow”.