Humphrey Polepole’s lawyers, led by Advocate Peter Kibatala, have officially filed an application in the High Court of Tanzania, seeking orders of habeas corpus against several authorities, including the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police. This aims to facilitate Polepole’s production in court or his arraignment to answer any charges that may be levelled against him.

Advocate Kibatala, in a statement, said that, other than the online police statement on the alleged investigation into the matter, there is no official update that has been provided on Polepole’s whereabouts, fate, welfare, or legal status.

Polepole’s legal team has also written to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, requesting immediate intervention and arbitration in Polepole’s human rights case.

Polepole, a vocal critic of the government, was abducted from his Dar es Salaam home on October 6, 2025, ahead of Tanzania’s general election on October 29, 2025. The Tanzania Police Force has confirmed an investigation, but questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, with human rights organizations and opposition figures calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. Polepole’s disappearance highlights the growing tensions between the government and opposition parties in Tanzania.