Some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have published the name of human rights activist and former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on the Force’s WhatsApp platforms, warning their colleagues to be cautious when dealing with him while accusing him of secretly recording officers on duty.
Nigerian Police Officers Warn Colleagues On WhatsApp Platforms To Be Cautious Around Sowore, Allege Hidden Cameras In Glasses, Pen
Some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have published the name of human rights activist and former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on the Force’s WhatsApp platforms, warning their colleagues to be cautious when dealing with him while accusing him of secretly recording officers on duty.
A message circulating in a police WhatsApp group alleged that Sowore uses hidden cameras embedded in his glasses, shirt button, and pen to capture footage of police activities.
The warning followed an incident three days ago, when Sowore attempted to visit the detained TikToker, Timothy Gabriel ‘Tumma’, at the Force Investigation Department (FCID).
Tumma had been held for close to 50 days for allegedly insulting Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Despite fulfilling visitation protocols alongside Tumma’s mother and relatives, Sowore was denied access.
“For the benefit of those who don’t know him. Omoyele Sowore. He is always looking for an opportunity to indict policemen on duty,” the police message read. “If he offers you anything while on duty, don’t take it.
“He records video with his eyeglasses, shirt button, pen and other hidden body devices. Don’t fall victim to him.”
The message also questioned how Sowore allegedly smuggled a camera into the facility.
“Men on duty or the counter please be careful. Imagine Sowore brought a camera in to record policemen on duty. My question is this, was he not searched at the gate before he came in with a camera?” another message stated.
Reacting to the accusations via his verified social media account, Sowore linked them to his recent visit to the FCID, which was blocked by officers.
“Three days ago, a visit to the Force Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police Force to Timothy Gabriel Tumma, a TikToker and police abuse victim, was thwarted when the police at his detention centre became agitated and denied visitation rights, despite meeting necessary protocols with his mother and relatives,” he said.
He criticised the police for refusing to present Tumma in court. “Timothy Gabriel Tumma had been detained for roughly 50 days at the request of President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Senator Remi Tinubu. Nigeria police authorities had earlier refused to present him in court for the start of his trial, leading to the visit.”
Sowore also condemned the discussions in the police WhatsApp group, describing them as proof of corruption.
“Today, a Nigeria Police Force’s WhatsApp group now began posting egregious discussions, showcasing their corrupt and inhumane attitude considering that they know I will not condone the extortion, torture and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens, including themselves.”
He assured officers who support reform that change is inevitable.
“A firm promise to those policemen and women on the revolutionary journey with us that reform is their only option,” he said.
