Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of torturing former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore while in custody, directly contradicting the police’s official denial.

Sowore, who is currently under investigation for alleged cyberstalking, was recently seen in a viral photo with his arm bandaged — sparking public concern. In a statement released on Friday night, the police dismissed the image as “mischievously presented” to mislead Nigerians and cause unnecessary outrage, insisting no torture took place.

Adeyanju, however, took to his official Facebook page to challenge the police’s account. He accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of presiding over what he described as “the most useless IG in the history of the NPF,” and claimed that Sowore’s hands were broken during interrogation.

“You are a liar,” Adeyanju wrote. “The Nigeria Police tortured SOWORE and broke his hands. And you will all pay for your crimes.”

The accusations have further fueled public debate over the treatment of detainees and the state of human rights in Nigeria. Sowore, a long-time government critic and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has previously faced arrests and legal battles over his activism.