There was tension at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as armed policemen arrested activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, shortly after he appeared in solidarity with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said Sowore, who had joined other supporters calling for Kanu’s release, was accosted by a team of armed officers as he stepped out of the courtroom. The operatives insisted that he follow them to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
When Sowore demanded to know the reason for his arrest, one of the officers simply replied, “The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office.”
The former presidential candidate was said to have protested the absence of a formal invitation and insisted that his lawyer accompany him before he was eventually whisked away in a police van.
Confirming the arrest, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the action as “preposterous,” accusing the police and the Tinubu administration of “making a mockery of the judiciary.”
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Effiong, in a post on X, wrote:
“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”
The development comes just days after Sowore led a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20, as part of the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstrations that have spread across several states.
Police Justify Arrest
Reacting to public outrage, the Nigeria Police Force said Sowore’s arrest was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring “fairness and justice” in handling the protest.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told journalists that Sowore allegedly led protesters into a “restricted area” during the Abuja rally, an act that necessitated his arrest.
He explained, “If we charge some people to court and leave the person who led them into the restricted area, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
Hundeyin, however, assured that Sowore would not be detained beyond legal limits, noting that he could be arraigned before the end of the day.
“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we wrap up the charges, he’ll be prosecuted. If all goes as planned, he goes to court today,” the police spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Sowore’s supporters have condemned the arrest, calling it an attempt to silence dissenting voices. The police are yet to release an official statement on the specific charges against him.
