By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has given reasons for the arrest of political activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, October 23.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists in Abuja, said Sowore was arrested to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20.
Hundeyin disclosed that Sowore had allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during the protest to demand the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He added that Sowore’s arrest was to ensure that justice is evenly applied to everyone involved in the protest.
Hundeyin said, “If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester, who told them and took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair.
“And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
According to Hundeyin, Sowore would not be detained beyond necessary legal limits and would be arraigned today.
He said: “Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted.
“In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today.”
Impact Nigeria Newspaper earlier reported that Sowore was arrested on Thursday within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja by armed policemen.
He was arrested shortly after he appeared in solidarity with the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The security operatives who arrested Sowore said they were acting on the orders of the Commissioner of Police and insisted that he must come with them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Reacting to the arrest, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the move as a “shameful abuse of power” by the police and the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a post on his X handle, Effiong wrote, “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
“The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”
The Take It Back Movement reacted: “We have received credible information that the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has invited our comrade and convener, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly in connection with the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest and other legitimate acts of political expression.
“We wish to categorically warn that any form of detention, harassment, or intimidation of Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force or any arm of the Tinubu regime will be met with an immediate, nationwide mass action. “Sowore is not a criminal; he is a renowned human rights activist and a voice of conscience for millions of oppressed Nigerians who continue to suffer under a corrupt and tyrannical system.”
