In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was reportedly arrested by armed police officers on Thursday, shortly after attending court proceedings in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
According to a report by Vanguard, Sowore who has been a consistent advocate for Kanu’s release, was accosted by security operatives as he exited the court premises. The officers, acting on the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, directed the activist to accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. Eyewitnesses said that Sowore initially demanded a formal invitation letter and insisted that his lawyer be present before any questioning, but the police eventually escorted him away in their vehicle.
Sowore, known for his fearless activism and as the publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters, recently joined the #FreeNnamdiKanu protests that swept through Abuja and other parts of the country. The demonstrations, which called for the immediate release of the IPOB leader, resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and one of his lawyers, Alloy Ejimakor.
Authorities later charged the protesters before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance. The police claim that the protesters violated a subsisting court order, obstructed vehicular movement, and disrupted public peace through what they termed as “provocative chants.”
The case has been fixed for hearing on Friday, when the court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas. However, it remains unclear whether Sowore will be formally included in the list of those charged in connection with the protest. His arrest has already sparked outrage among human rights advocates and civil society groups, who describe it as another attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country.
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