By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Omoyele Sowore and Nigeria Police |
The Nigerian Police Force has returned the AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses stolen from human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore during a protest in Abuja.
Sowore confirmed the recovery on Tuesday, revealing that authorities acknowledged the theft.
"Today, the Nigeria Police Force returned my stolen Ray-Ban Meta eyeglasses, stolen by the National Thief, Aku Victor Chiemerie, to me," Sowore announced on social media.
The incident occurred on July 21, 2025, during a peaceful protest by retired police officers demanding better welfare and retirement benefits. Sowore, alongside other activists, joined the demonstration at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters (Louis Edet House) in Abuja.
A viral video exposed Aku Victor Chiemerie, a police cameraman attached to the Force Public Relations Office (FPRO), snatching Sowore’s high-tech eyewear. The AI-powered glasses not only serve medical purposes but also store sensitive private data, raising concerns over privacy breaches.
Following the theft, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) demanded a transparent investigation. Sowore filed two formal petitions one through his legal team, Tope Temokun Chambers, and another at the Asokoro Divisional Police Station.
Sowore also revealed that Chiemerie deactivated his Facebook account under the alias "Vyktur McEntire Akunamatata" in an attempt to evade justice. "No amount of hiding or shielding will protect him from accountability," Sowore vowed.
The return of Sowore’s stolen AI Ray-Ban glasses marks a victory for justice and police accountability in Nigeria. However, questions remain about the handling of the case and the need for stronger safeguards against misconduct within law enforcement.