Nigerian Police Return Sowore’s AI-Powered Ray-Ban Eyeglasses Stolen During Protest

Nigerian Police Return Sowore’s AI-Powered Ray-Ban Eyeglasses Stolen During Protest

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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In a significant development on August 12, 2025, the Nigerian Police Force officially returned the AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta eyeglasses belonging to prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. The glasses, which were stolen during a protest at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on July 21, had caused widespread concern and condemnation across civil society.

A collage featuring four individuals; the first is a smiling man wearing AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses and a necklace with an Africa pendant, the second shows a man in a white shirt seated and holding a phone, the third is a police officer in uniform sitting at a desk, and the fourth is a man in traditional attire looking towards the camera.

The smart eyeglasses, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence features, were forcibly taken by a police cameraman identified as Aku Victor Chiemerie. The incident was captured on video, showing the officer removing the glasses from Sowore before absconding with them. Sowore promptly filed formal complaints with both the Force Criminal Investigation Department and the Asokoro Divisional Police Station, urging a thorough investigation and accountability.

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Civil rights organisation, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), condemned the theft and called for sanctions against the officer involved. They expressed concern over the slow response by the police force despite clear video evidence and public pressure.

Following persistent advocacy and legal action, the police force’s decision to return the stolen property marks a positive, though overdue, step towards restoring public confidence. However, the episode has reignited debates about police accountability and the treatment of protesters in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to ensure respect for citizens’ rights during demonstrations.

This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by activists and the critical role of transparency and justice in strengthening democratic institutions.