By Omoyele Sowore Intervenes in Unlawful Detention of NYSC Member, Secures Her Release
NEWS REPORT | Abuja, Nigeria — November 24, 2025
Omoyele Sowore Intervenes in Unlawful Detention of NYSC Member, Secures Her Release
In a dramatic turn of events at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja, Nigerian activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has secured the release of Miss Ibrahim Mariam Titilayo, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was unlawfully detained and harassed by police authorities.
Miss Titilayo, currently serving in Akure, Ondo State, was arrested without warrant on October 16, 2025, by officers from Abuja and taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID). Her personal belongings—including an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an Itel phone, and a WiFi device—were seized. She was shown a list of phone numbers allegedly linked to a kidnapping and murder case from January 2024.
The arrest was based on claims by Inspector Dauda Adamu of the FID that one of the numbers associated with her National Identification Number (NIN) was implicated in the crime. However, Airtel Nigeria later confirmed that the SIM in question was purchased and activated on April 15, 2025—months after the alleged incident—clearly exonerating her from any involvement.
Despite this evidence, Miss Titilayo was detained overnight, subjected to a non-consensual medical test at the Police Clinic in Akure, and instructed to report to Abuja. Upon her arrival on November 20, she faced prolonged delays and evasive behavior from the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who reportedly withheld her seized items and failed to appear for scheduled meetings.
Her ordeal came to an end today when Mr. Sowore arrived at FID Abuja. His presence prompted immediate action: the IPO returned Miss Titilayo’s phones and other belongings, and she was formally discharged without further conditions.
In a statement issued by her legal counsel, Tope Temokun, Sowore was praised for his “timely presence, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to defending ordinary citizens against abuse of power.” The statement also emphasized that while Miss Titilayo has regained her freedom, the pursuit of full justice continues.
This incident has reignited calls for police accountability and reform, especially regarding the treatment of young Nigerians under the NYSC program.
