Omoyele Sowore Released After Arrest at Lagos Airport

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, was briefly detained upon his arrival at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State. Sowore’s arrival from the United States, where his flight departed Washington Dulles International Airport, occurred at approximately 9:43 AM, local time.

Sowore, known for his activism and as the convener of the Take It Back Movement, has had prior confrontations with Nigerian authorities. Upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, Sowore reported that his passport was seized and he was informed there were orders to detain him. This arrest was preceded by a leaked Department of State Services (DSS) memo, which reportedly directed the arrest upon his arrival for his involvement in organizing protests against the government’s policies.

In a social media post following his detention, Sowore expressed his view that this action was a part of a larger strategy by what he described as a fascist regime to suppress dissent. He also hinted at an upcoming protest planned for October 1st, which he referred to as #FearlessINOctober, urging citizens to participate in actions against what he termed tyranny.

However, shortly after his arrest, Sowore was released, and his passport was returned by the Nigerian Immigration Service. The circumstances behind his brief detention have yet to be officially clarified by Nigerian authorities. Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirmed the arrest and pointed to a wider crackdown on political dissent, mentioning other arrests of activists, including Dr. Abubakar Alkali.

Sowore’s arrest and subsequent release highlight the ongoing tensions between activists and the Nigerian government, particularly concerning protests against perceived bad governance. Efforts to obtain a statement from the DSS regarding recent arrests, including Sowore’s, have been unsuccessful.