Sowore Detained Briefly at Lagos Airport, Released by Immigration
In a tense moment upon his return to Nigeria, Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, was briefly detained by Nigerian Immigration officials at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The activist-turned-politician had just landed from the United States when his passport was seized, sparking concerns of a renewed government crackdown.
Read Also:
Taking to social media, Sowore revealed his detention and labeled it a targeted move by the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, to suppress dissent. “This is not unexpected… it’s part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt,” he posted.
Sowore urged Nigerians to resist tyranny and participate in the upcoming series of protests scheduled for October 1. He emphasized the importance of standing firm against the suppression of civil liberties and encouraged direct action.
However, the situation was quickly resolved. Sowore later confirmed via his X (formerly Twitter) account that he had been released, and his passport returned to him by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“I have just been released after a brief detention, and my passport has been handed back to me,” Sowore informed his followers, bringing an end to the brief but alarming episode. His supporters continue to watch the situation closely as October 1 approaches.
