Cacophony of Netizens Reactions As Sowore Announced His Release After Arrest at Lagos Airport

By: AbdulWasiu Akintunde, Olufemi Orunsola 

Human right activist who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has confirmed his arrest and subsequent release minutes after his arrest on Sunday morning, generating a cacophony of reactions by Netizens about his actions of returning to the country.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that Sowore, was reportedly arrested as he arrived Nigeria at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Earlier on Sunday he wrote, “I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.

“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary, by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for 1 October and beyond.”

OTN News further gathered that Sowore's flight left Washington Dulles International Airport at 6.14 EDT and arrived in Lagos at around 9.43am.

During the last week, precisely on Thursday, 12 September 2024, a DSS memo ordering the arrest of Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria was allegedly leaked into circulation.

However, in a post via his official X handle, @YeleSowore, the activist disclosed at exactly 11.36 am on Sunday that he had been released by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his passport had been released to him after it was earlier seized.

His post reads, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me.”

Following the return of the "Revolution Now" advocate to the country, Netizens on the social media platform, especially on X formerly known as Twitter, have expressed a cacophony of opinions about Sowore's return to the country and the arrest drama that greeted his arrival.

OTN News has therefore profiled a cross section of the public reactions below:

Notably, @Stoneboiw voiced strong sentiments, stating that "the man gives no damn about the Government." 

He elaborated further, expressing that "the Government should be afraid of its people, not the other way around. We hold the keys to their existence. Quote me anywhere – I stand for this, and I live for it."

Echoing a different perspective, @Terence Louis, speculated on Sowore’s recent situation, suggesting that his passport may have been confiscated to prevent him from leaving the country. 

According to Louis, this action ensures that Sowore remains within the country, making him easily accessible to the Department of State Services (DSS) for questioning or detention as needed.

In addition, @wesseyinaction took a more cautious approach, offering congratulations but warning Sowore not to let his guard down. 

"He shouldn’t be carried away, alluding to the fact that more challenges may lie ahead."

The user further speculated that Sowore’s release was likely a result of the large crowds that gathered at the airport, advising him to be more vigilant moving forward.

Meanwhile, @Oyokunyi Okon brought up an intriguing proposal, calling on Nigerian youths and the 'Obidient' movement to persuade Peter Obi to step down in favor of Sowore for the 2027 presidential race. 

According to Okon, Sowore's sincerity, youth, and boldness make him a more suitable candidate to lead the nation in the near future.

Responding to rumors about Sowore’s affiliations, @empopson dismissed suggestions that he works for political figures like Muhammadu Buhari or Bola Tinubu. 

"If he did, wouldn’t they have exposed him by now?, they questioned, reinforcing Sowore's reputation as a self-made fighter and activist who doesn’t need external validation."

Offering a practical view, @OroborH described Sowore’s detention by immigration as a routine procedure. 

He said, "It’s normal for someone to be taken aside for questioning and then released if nothing suspicious is found. You’ve turned a standard procedure into a circus," they added, accusing others of seeking attention unnecessarily.

Lastly, @Onyeka_Marco shared a more critical opinion, claiming that Sowore is a "double agent." 

He expressed pity for those who still believe Sowore is working toward a better Nigeria, casting doubt on his true intentions.

As these cacophony of opinions flood the social media space, it is clear that the public remains deeply divided over Sowore’s role and influence in Nigeria’s political landscape with some sympathetic to his course, many are skeptical about his cause while others hold him in high esteem as a courageous freedom fighter.