Former presidential candidate and human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore has announced his intention to take legal action against the Nigeria Police Force following allegations of harsh treatment while he was detained.

Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, revealed in a statement on Saturday that police officers reportedly fractured Sowore’s arm during a violent attempt to move him from one cell to another early on August 8. The legal team rejected the police’s version, which claimed Sowore arrived with an already bandaged arm, describing it as illogical and self-serving.

Temokun also called on the police to publish an official list of items seized from Sowore at the time of his arrest, as part of their claim regarding his injury.

The statement further accused the police of denying Sowore access to his own medical team and instead providing care from an unqualified first aider without proper diagnosis or X-rays. Sowore reportedly refused treatment from police medical personnel to avoid any tampering with evidence.

Other accusations include the alleged theft of Sowore’s Ray-Ban AI glasses by a police officer, which the police have denied, along with the assault claims.

Temokun highlighted that Sowore’s refusal to write a statement, which police used as grounds for his detention, is protected by Nigerian law, referencing the Constitution and Police Act.

“The fact remains clear: Omoyele Sowore’s arm was broken while he was in police custody,” Temokun said. The legal team intends to explore all legal options, including petitions to police oversight bodies.

Sowore was released on the evening of August 8 after two days in detention. His legal team insists a full investigation will be sought into the conduct of all officers involved.