Nigerian police detained activist and former presidential candidate Yele Sowore under a controversial court order, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups, political figures, and civil society organizations. Sowore was reportedly assaulted by eight police officers at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, resulting in a broken hand, and was secretly relocated to an undisclosed location. His detention was allegedly based on petitions originating from the office of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and an alleged mistress, prompting accusations of abuse of power and personal vendetta by the police leadership. Various groups, including Amnesty International, the African Action Congress (AAC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the Yoruba Union, demanded Sowore's immediate release and called for the dismissal of IGP Egbetokun. Protests were organized nationwide, with some activists threatening to occupy police commands and Nigerian embassies globally. Sowore was held in an overcrowded cell with over 30 other detainees, including suspected kidnappers and fraudsters. His legal team criticized the police for acting as accuser, detainer, and investigator, and condemned unprofessional statements from the police. After two days in custody, Sowore was released, though calls for investigations into police brutality and reforms in the judiciary continue. The police also faced backlash for firing teargas at protesters demanding Sowore's release and for seizing an activist's phone during demonstrations. Additionally, there were reports of police promoting allies while ignoring officers who refused bribes. The controversy has intensified scrutiny on Nigeria's police force and raised concerns about democratic governance and human rights protections under the current administration.