Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after attending the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the police, Sowore’s arrest was connected to the #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest he led in Abuja earlier in the week. The protest, which called for Kanu’s release, had resulted in the arrest of about 13 demonstrators, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer.
Sowore had reportedly escaped arrest during the protest but was later picked up at the court premises.
Eyewitnesses said police officers intercepted him as he left the court and asked him to come to the station. After a brief discussion, he followed them and was taken into custody.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin explained that Sowore’s arrest was to ensure fairness in the prosecution of everyone involved in the protest. He said it would be unjust to charge other protesters while leaving out the person who led them.
“If we charge others and leave out their leader who took them into a restricted area, that would not be fair,” Hundeyin stated. “So, in the spirit of fair play and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested.”
Hundeyin also assured that Sowore would not be detained for long. He said the activist would be charged and prosecuted as soon as possible. “He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we complete the charges, he’ll go to court today,” he added.
However, one of Sowore’s associates said the activist had already planned to honour the police invitation before his arrest. The associate claimed the police acted too hastily.
“He was going to honour their invitation. It was already in his schedule. I don’t know why they were in such a hurry,” the associate said.
Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial has continued to draw attention after he reportedly submitted a list of witnesses that includes two ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, two APC governors, and several former government officials.