Critics of the police have often accused them of suppressing dissent rather than focusing on crime prevention.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore has taken a jab at the Nigeria Police Force, drawing a sharp contrast between their actions and Satan.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, along with a photo of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seated in church with his ADC behind him, Sowore remarked that despite being “the oldest known ancestor” and facing generations of disrespect, Satan has never sought the assistance of the Nigeria Police to punish his detractors.
His comment, laced with satire, appeared to be criticising how Nigerian police handle dissent and criticism in Nigeria by suppressing free speech and cracking down on critics and opposition members.
By claiming that the police “frequently collaborate with Satan,” Sowore seemed to imply that the force engages in questionable practices, yet unlike the devil himself, they actively pursue those who speak against powerful figures.
Critics of the police have often accused them of suppressing dissent rather than focusing on crime prevention.
“Satan is the oldest known ancestor, yet generations consistently disrespect him; surprisingly, the Nigeria Police Force @policeng frequently collaborates with Satan, but he’s never requested their assistance in apprehending those who insult him. #FreeSeakingNow #ENDPOLICEABUSE #EgbetokunMustGoNOW,” he wrote.
The post has since sparked reactions on social media, with some agreeing with Sowore’s sentiment.
For instance, ThatManagerIgho (@Princepercy0) wrote, “Many of us will be shocked 1 day, when we realize the church is just an extension of Satan's organization.
“In Nigeria, religious leaders are all tools in enforcing bad governance.
“We use church activities to waste productive time and turn youths to lazy entities.”
Another X user, DANY NSHIMIYIMANA (@Danynsh) wrote: “The irony in this is crazy. Generations disrespect him, yet he never asks for help. Meanwhile, some forces prioritize the wrong things. #ENDPOLICEABUSE #FreeSeakingNow #EgbetokunMustGoNOW.”
On Friday, Sowore expressed his disappointment and concern over the decline of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as "disheartening, disgusting, and frightening."
His statement followed a meeting with TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as Seaking, who was apprehended by police officers in Lagos and taken to Abuja.
Sowore's team, including lawyers Adeyanju Deji and Marshal D. F. Abubakar, met with the Federal Investigation Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force to discuss Olumide's ordeal.
According to Sowore on his X handle, they were informed that Olumide's arrest was due to alleged cyberbullying against Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The police claimed that a petition was submitted by Paul James Adama, representing a Christian association, on behalf of Pastor Adeboye.
However, Sowore questioned how a TikTok video could be considered bullying or a threat to someone as prominent and protected as Pastor Adeboye.
However, Adeboye has called for the immediate release of the TikToker.
Speaking during a church programme on Friday, February 7, Adeboye distanced himself from the arrest, stating that certain individuals, angered by Seaking’s remarks, took it upon themselves to take action.
He urged the Nigerian police to release the social media influencer, saying, "Seaking is fulfilling prophecy."
Also, there are ongoing arrests and prosecution of Abraham Daniel, a former pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre and Peter Enenche for alleged cyberbullying, criminal defamation, and other accusations filed by the Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor Paul Enenche.
Similarly, a blogger and content creator, Mr Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks, is being prosecuted for alleged criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The charges were brought against Ijele by the police on behalf of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the leader of the Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach.