Video: Sowore arrested in court during solidarity visit for Nnamdi Kanu
Omoyele Sowore
Abdullateef Fowewe
Activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested on Thursday inside the Federal High Court premises in Abuja by armed police officers, Dailyeconomy gathered.
Sowore arrested in court during solidarity visit for Nnamdi Kanu
This occurred shortly after he appeared in support of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Security officials insisted Sowore accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
When Sowore asked the reason for his arrest, an officer said, “The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office.”
Despite questioning the lack of formal invitation, Sowore insisted his lawyer accompany him before being taken away in a police van.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the arrest on social media, calling it “preposterous” and an attempt by “the Tinubu regime” to “make a mockery of our judicial system,” demanding Sowore’s immediate release.
Sowore had recently led protests in Abuja on Monday, October 20, as part of the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement.
The Nigeria Police Force explained Sowore’s arrest was to ensure fairness in prosecuting those involved in Monday’s protest.
Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore allegedly led protesters into a restricted area and that arresting him was necessary for “justice to be evenly applied.”
Hundeyin added, “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 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.”
The police spokesman assured Sowore would be arraigned swiftly and not detained beyond legal limits, saying, “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.”
