The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) initially detained Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday immediately after his return to Nigeria.
This occurred on the same day that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists gathered at the airport in anticipation of his arrival.
Sowore had been in the United States with his family. His flight departed from Washington Dulles International Airport at 6:14 AM EDT and landed in Lagos at approximately 9:43 AM WAT.
In a post via his official X handle, Sowore disclosed that he had been detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his international passport had been confiscated.
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.”
Sowore later confirmed his release, stating, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me. #RevolutionNow.”
He stated that no reason was given for his detainment, and officials told him they were acting on instructions from higher authorities, needing to call Abuja for further direction on the matter.