The convener of the #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore was briefly detained and released by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday.
Sowore, who arrived in Nigeria from the United States (US), reported that his passport was seized, and he was informed of orders to detain him.
This incident may be linked to the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August, spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organizations.
Upon his detention, Sowore wrote: “I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me…
“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.”
Sowore urged citizens to remain vigilant and committed to the cause, stating: “In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to remain calm, focused, and committed to the struggle for a better Nigeria.”
Sowore’s detention is the latest in a series of incidents targeting activists and protesters in Nigeria. The #RevolutionNow movement has been advocating for improved governance and an end to corruption.
Sowore later confirmed his release via his X handle, stating, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me. #RevolutionNow.”
