Sowore’s Brief Detention at Lagos Airport Sparks Concerns Over Government’s Action
Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was arrested at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammad International Airport on Sunday, sparking widespread concern. Sowore arrested at Lagos airport became a trending topic as the activist confirmed his brief detention via social media, accusing the authorities of unjust suppression.
Sowore, who had just returned from the United States, shared that his passport was seized upon arrival. According to him, the airport’s immigration officials claimed they had received orders to detain him. This incident comes shortly after a leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) ordering his arrest upon entry into Nigeria.
The outspoken political activist and journalist has long been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government. He linked his arrest to a broader strategy by the administration to silence dissenting voices ahead of the planned #FearlessInOctober protests. The hashtag gained momentum following his call for Nigerians to resist what he described as the “fascist regime” through peaceful civil disobedience.
In a social media post, Sowore reassured his supporters that he had been released after a brief confrontation with immigration authorities. He disclosed that Sowore arrested at Lagos airport was another step in the government’s ongoing clampdown, but he remained steadfast in urging Nigerians to continue their fight against oppression.
His release came after his passport was temporarily confiscated, which led many to question the extent of the government’s role in his detention. Sowore’s history with Nigerian authorities, including his previous detentions, suggests a persistent effort to curb his influence on political activism.
As Sowore prepares for future movements, the brief yet telling episode of Sowore arrested at Lagos airport underscores the continued friction between outspoken activists and the state. His supporters remain vigilant as they await what unfolds in the coming weeks, especially with the scheduled protests drawing near.
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