The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reasons behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
According to the Force, Sowore was apprehended for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja in defiance of a subsisting court order. The protest, tagged “Free Nnamdi Kanu,” had earlier resulted in the arrest of 13 other individuals who were charged for violating the restriction.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known during a press briefing held on Thursday in Abuja. He stated that the police decided to arrest Sowore after obtaining statements from the already detained protesters, who identified him as the person that mobilized and led them into the restricted zone. Hundeyin emphasized that the decision was based on fairness and due process, as it would be unjust to prosecute the others while leaving out the alleged instigator.
“Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force because the 13 people earlier detained mentioned that he led them into the restricted area in contravention of a court order. It would be unfair to charge some people to court and leave out the person who led them. In the spirit of fairness and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin stated during the briefing.
He also noted that Sowore would not be held beyond the lawful period, adding that the police intended to arraign him as soon as investigations were concluded. “Like the others, Sowore will not spend more than 24 hours with us. If everything goes as planned, we will ensure that he is arraigned today,” he added.
The police spokesperson further explained that 13 individuals had earlier been arrested for participating in the protest in areas where demonstrations were prohibited. He disclosed that eight of the suspects were picked up around the Transcorp area of Abuja, while five others were apprehended near the Ministry of Finance. Hundeyin maintained that the protesters ignored several warnings and court restrictions on public gatherings within those zones.
According to him, the suspects were charged to court within 24 hours of their arrest, in line with legal procedures. The police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring that individuals respect lawful restrictions. The arrest of Sowore has since sparked widespread reactions among his supporters and human rights advocates, who are calling for his immediate release.