JUST IN: Sowore Released After Brief Detention at Lagos Airport

Former Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been released after being detained by Immigration authorities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, following his arrival from the United States. Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, had his passport seized and was held briefly on Sunday, reportedly due to a watchlist issued by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore through his tweet confirmed that his passport was confiscated while Nigerian Immigration officials contacted the DSS for further instructions. “I have just been released. My passport and everything have been returned to me,” he said

Sowore’s detention occurred immediately upon his arrival in Nigeria, where members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists had gathered at the airport to welcome him. His supporters had expected a possible confrontation with authorities, as a leaked DSS memo earlier in the week had revealed plans for his arrest.

Sowore had traveled from Washington Dulles International Airport, where his flight departed at 6:14 a.m. EDT, and landed in Lagos at approximately 9:43 a.m. WAT.