…. Condemns Political Distortion
The Integrity Youth Alliance has strongly condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation regarding the recent arrest of the former presidential candidate of the AAC, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Director, Danjuma Lamido, the Alliance clarified that, contrary to widespread reports, particularly those shared by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr Sowore was not arrested for his activism or for speaking out against perceived injustice, nepotism, or misrule.
According to the group, Mr Sowore’s arrest followed a formal petition by a private citizen over serious allegations of forgery and criminal defamation.
These charges reportedly relate to defamatory statements Sowore allegedly made against a female officer of the Nigeria Police Force, which the petitioner claims were designed to malign her reputation and provoke public hostility.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, is not the complainant in the matter and had no involvement in initiating either the petition or the investigation,” the statement clarified.
“The matter is strictly a legal issue arising from a citizen’s right to seek redress under the law.”
The Alliance described as “deeply troubling” the actions of prominent individuals who, it claims, are deliberately mischaracterising a lawful police process as politically motivated persecution.
“Such reckless statements not only mislead the public but also erode confidence in our justice system and law enforcement agencies,” Lamido stated. “It is irresponsible to weaponise misinformation for political gain.”
The Integrity Youth Alliance called on the public, particularly influencers and political figures, to uphold the principles of due process and allow the legal system to address the matter on its merits.
It also reiterated its support for the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, asserting that the Force remains committed to impartial justice and professional conduct.
