A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has called for an immediate investigation into the detention and alleged torture of publisher, Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police.
In a statement issued on Friday, the human rights lawyer condemned Sowore’s unlawful detention and assault by officers and the police under the monitoring team of the Inspector General of Police.
He also described the treatment meted out to the publisher by the police as a violation of his constitutional rights.
The senior lawyer said, “As Mr. Omoyele Sowore is not above the law, the Nigeria Police Force has the power to arrest him and arraign him in a competent court if there is reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offence.
“However, like every suspect in police custody, he is entitled to the fundamental right to the dignity of his person guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“To that extent, he is entitled to humane treatment in the custody of the police,” Falana said.
Citing the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, Falana also stated that the police officers who tortured Sowoee must be held accountable for their actions, the lawyer
“We are compelled to demand the investigation of the officers who subjected Mr. Omoyele Sowore to torture in contravention of section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017.
“Meanwhile, Mr. Sowore should be released from further police custody to enable him to receive urgent medical treatment,” he said.