In a statement released on Sunday, 20th October, the Police described his accusations as an attempt to court public sympathy, urging the public to disregard them.
Barker-Vormawor, a political activist, had taken to social media to accuse the police of severe beatings, claiming he and his cellmates had suffered from abuse. "I am still in pain from the injuries and beatings meted out to me without reason," he wrote, further calling for a national hunger strike in protest of the treatment of detainees.
The Police, however, provided a different account of events, stating that Barker-Vormawor resisted a transfer to another cell on 19th October after intelligence suggested he was planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the station.
According to the Police, the activist sustained minor scratches on his right hand while resisting handcuffs but was promptly taken to hospital and discharged after treatment.