The Nigeria Police Force has given reasons for the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over his alleged role in leading protesters into a restricted area during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, stating that the activist’s arrest followed confessional statements from previously detained protesters.
“Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force because the 13 people earlier apprehended in connection with the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest mentioned his name in their statements,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that each of the suspects identified Sowore as the person who led them into a restricted zone, contrary to a court order prohibiting protests in specific parts of the Federal Capital Territory .
“It would be unfair to charge the protesters to court and leave out the person who allegedly led them to commit the offence.
“In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” he added.
Hundeyin further stated that Sowore’s detention would be brief, assuring that the police planned to arraign him within 24 hours once documentation and charges were completed.
“Like the others, Sowore will not spend up to 24 hours with the police. Our plan is to ensure that he’s arraigned today if everything goes as planned,” Hundeyin said.
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Earlier in the week, 13 protesters were arrested for allegedly violating a court order that restricted demonstrations around key government installations in Abuja.
Hundeyin noted that eight protesters were detained near the Transcorp area, while five others were picked up near the Ministry of Finance, both within restricted zones.
“Despite several warnings and the existing court order restricting protest movements within certain areas of Abuja, the suspects defied the directive,” the police spokesman said.
The 13 suspects, according to him, were arraigned within 24 hours of their arrest before a competent court of jurisdiction.
The protest, which called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra had sparked tensions across parts of the FCT, leading to heightened security presence around government buildings and key road networks.
Sowore, who has been vocal about civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest, has previously clashed with security agencies over demonstrations against government policies.
As of press time, neither Sowore nor his legal representatives had issued an official statement regarding his arrest.
