The Nigeria Police Force has formally charged human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, with inciting mutiny following his involvement in a protest led by retired police officers demanding improved welfare and pension reforms.
The protest, held on July 21, 2025, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, spotlighted longstanding grievances over poor remuneration, exclusion from the Contributory Pension Scheme, and stalled reforms under the Police Act of 2020. Sowore, who joined the demonstration in solidarity, has been accused of instigating unrest within the force—a charge he and his legal team strongly contest.
According to SaharaReporters, the police filed a three-count charge against Sowore, citing his role in amplifying the protest and allegedly encouraging serving officers to join the movement. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sowore responded to the charges, stating: “This is a deliberate attempt to criminalize dissent and suppress legitimate demands for justice and dignity within the police force.”
The protest gained momentum after seven serving officers were detained and charged with mutiny for discussing welfare issues in a private WhatsApp group. Sowore had previously visited the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja to demand access to the detained officers, describing their treatment as “illegal and unjust.”
In a related development, the police returned Sowore’s AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses, which were stolen during the protest by a police cameraman. The activist confirmed the return of the item during a visit to the Force Headquarters on August 12.
Civil society organizations, including RULAAC and HURIWA, have condemned the charges and called for an end to what they describe as “vengeful actions” against Sowore and other activists advocating for police reform.