The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly launched a manhunt for Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, following his viral video exposing alleged extortion by police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road, Lagos.
The Viral Video
Sowore posted the video on his X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok accounts, which has since garnered 917,000 views on X and over 2.9 million views on TikTok. The video shows police officers allegedly extorting motorists and causing traffic along the airport road.
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In the footage, Sowore confronts the officers, stating, “You are not supposed to be causing traffic on the airport road. Go and bring your Oga.”
Despite his refusal to park, the officers initially resisted but eventually allowed him to leave. As he drove off, an officer allegedly insulted him, to which Sowore responded in kind.
A source revealed to SaharaReporters that the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, initiated the manhunt after consulting with Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Sowore is already entangled in a defamation and cybercrime trial initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko, who accused him of defamatory statements against his business and political career. Filed under Nigeria’s Penal Code Sections 391-395 and 418, the case is scheduled for hearing on February 4, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Earlier, Sowore had called out the police for stalling his trial by failing to serve hearing notices to co-defendants, including SaharaReporters Media Group Incorporated.
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Community Reaction and Controversy
The video has sparked widespread debate, with many commending Sowore for exposing police misconduct. However, the manhunt and pending legal battles suggest escalating tensions between the activist and Nigerian authorities.
The unfolding events highlight critical issues surrounding police accountability, freedom of expression, and activism in Nigeria. With Sowore’s court hearing approaching, the outcome will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
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