Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the alleged assault and arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team, describing the incident as a “shameful abuse of power.”

In a statement issued Thursday, Atiku said the reported treatment meted out to Sowore including being attacked at dawn, beaten, having his arm broken, and being sprayed with chemicals was not only unlawful but also a blatant act of repression against dissent.

“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule,” Atiku said. “This is not policing; this is personal vendetta.”

He expressed concern that the IGP’s office, which reportedly initiated the petitions against Sowore, cannot simultaneously act as complainant and enforcer, stating that such conduct undermines the rule of law.

Quoting Regulation 367 of the Nigeria Police Regulations, Atiku pointed out that: “No police officer shall institute any legal proceeding in his own personal interest or in connection with matters arising out of his public duties.”

“The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to carry out his grievance,” he emphasized.

The former presidential candidate warned that the incident represents a broader threat to civic freedoms in Nigeria, saying, “This is not about Sowore alone; it is an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power.”

Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, urging all Nigerians who believe in justice and democracy to condemn the incident. “This must stop,” he concluded.