IGP Summon: Sowore Storms Police HQ with Travel Bag, Toothpaste, Soap

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore arrived at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday carrying a travel bag packed with personal items, including toothpaste, soap, and clothing, following a summons from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit.

The police invitation, dated August 5, was issued in response to a petition alleging forgery and criminal defamation. Ahead of the meeting, Sowore had vowed to appear “with a full house,” calling on “revolutionary comrades, citizens of conscience, \[and] voices of resistance” to join him in solidarity.

At 12:16 p.m., Sowore entered the facility with his lawyers, A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, accompanied by a crowd of chanting supporters. His travel bag, symbolically packed with essentials such as books, toothbrush, soap, and toothpaste, suggested his preparedness for possible detention.

The activist’s arrival drew attention, as chants of resistance outside the headquarters highlighted ongoing tensions between Sowore and the authorities.