Activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday arrested by armed policemen at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after he attended a court session in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said Sowore, who has been vocal in calling for Kanu’s release, was approached by security operatives who informed him that he had to report to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on the order of the Commissioner of Police.
When Sowore asked for a formal invitation letter, the officers insisted that he must follow them, leading to his eventual arrest and transport in a police van.
Confirming the incident, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the arrest as “preposterous”, accusing the police and the Tinubu administration of “mocking the judicial system.” Effiong called for Sowore’s immediate release.
Reacting to the development, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrest was made to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that Sowore allegedly led protesters into a restricted area, which violated public order.
“It would be unfair to charge some protesters to court while leaving out their leader,” he said. “Sowore was arrested in the spirit of fair play to ensure justice is served.”
He added that the activist would not be detained beyond legal limits and would likely be charged to court within 24 hours.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken advocates for democracy and human rights.
