Omoyele Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been released by the Nigerian Immigration Service after a brief detention.
Sowore’s international passport, which was confiscated upon his arrival in Nigeria, has also been returned to him.
Sowore, a vocal critic of the government, was taken into custody on Sunday morning by Nigerian authorities immediately upon his arrival at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.
His flight from Washington Dulles International Airport had arrived at approximately 9:43 WAT.
During his detention, Sowore revealed that his international passport was confiscated by the Nigerian Immigration Service.\
Sowore stated that he was detained without being given a reason and that officials informed him they were acting on instructions from higher authorities.
The officials reportedly needed to call Abuja for further direction on the matter.
However, after a brief detention, Sowore was released by the Nigerian Immigration Service, and his international passport was returned to him.
Sowore confirmed his release via his X handle, stating, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me. #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore’s release has been met with relief and excitement from his supporters and fellow activists.Â
