Nigeria Police explain arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore over protest violation

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja in violation of a standing court order.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known during a media conference held on Thursday in the Federal Capital Territory.

Sowore accused of violating court order

According to the police spokesperson, Sowore’s arrest followed revelations from previously detained protesters who claimed that the activist had encouraged and led them into the restricted zone during the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest. The demonstration, which called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reportedly took place despite a valid court order restricting public gatherings and protests in certain parts of Abuja.

Hundeyin stated that it would have been unjust to prosecute the earlier arrested protesters without also holding accountable the person alleged to have led them. “Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, and the reason is that the 13 people that were arrested previously in connection to the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest gave their statements,” he said. “From the statements, every one of them mentioned that one Sowore led them into the restricted area in contravention of the court order. So it would be most unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person that led them to commit the offence.”

Police say arrest was in the interest of justice

CSP Hundeyin emphasized that Sowore’s arrest was not politically motivated but was instead carried out in the interest of fairness and justice. “In the spirit of fair play, and to ensure that justice is served, Sowore was arrested today,” he said.

He explained that the activist’s detention would be brief, as the police had already prepared the necessary documentation for arraignment. “Like the others too, Sowore will not spend up to 24 hours with the police because we will arraign him as soon as we wrap up his charges. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s arraigned today,” he added.

Background of the protest and earlier arrests

The Force spokesman also gave details about the earlier arrests made in connection with the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest. He said that a total of 13 suspects were detained for defying a court order that restricted protests and movement within specific zones in the capital city.

According to Hundeyin, eight individuals were arrested around the Transcorp area of Abuja, while another five were apprehended near the Ministry of Finance. “They were arrested because they contravened the court order that restricted movements within those areas despite several warnings,” he said.

He further stated that the suspects were arraigned in court within 24 hours of their arrest, maintaining that due legal process was being followed in each case.

Sowore’s history of activism and previous arrests

Omoyele Sowore, a well-known activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has a long history of political activism and advocacy for good governance in Nigeria. He previously contested the presidency in 2019 and has often been involved in protests demanding accountability and reform.

This is not the first time Sowore has been detained by Nigerian authorities. In 2019, he was arrested and charged with treason after organizing the “#RevolutionNow” protests, which called for sweeping political and economic reforms across the country. His arrest at the time drew widespread condemnation from both local and international human rights organizations.

Reactions and next steps

While official reactions from Sowore’s camp were still emerging at press time, several civil society organizations have expressed concern about the frequent arrests of activists in Nigeria, urging the government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

The Nigeria Police Force, however, insists that the arrest was lawful and based on credible evidence linking Sowore to the violation of a court order. “We are not targeting anyone unfairly. We are simply enforcing the law and ensuring that justice is applied equally,” Hundeyin stressed.

Sowore’s arraignment is expected to take place shortly, according to police sources, marking the next stage in a case that has already attracted significant public attention.