Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has recounted his recent detention at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos upon his return to Nigeria on Sunday.
Sowore, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian activism and was the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), revealed that he has been under the watchlist of the Nigerian government since his university days in 1992. During his detention, Sowore discovered that one of his bags went missing.

Speaking to News Central shortly after his release, Sowore described his experience with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). “It’s a badge of honor to be upgraded to the highest level of surveillance by the Nigerian government,” he said, referencing a memo he received declaring him a wanted individual. He detailed that his current status meant he would be detained and escorted to the office of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon arrival.

Sowore explained that upon presenting his passport for processing, immigration officials informed him of a notation that required clarification from Abuja. After a brief detention and several phone calls, he was eventually released. However, he found that one of his bags was missing.

“I’m hoping that my missing bag is not a result of any interference from the DSS,” Sowore said. “The airline’s tracking system confirms the bag arrived, so I’ve reported it to the airline to locate it.”

Sowore’s experience highlights ongoing tensions between activists and the Nigerian government, reflecting the continued scrutiny and challenges faced by prominent figures in the country’s political landscape.