How Police Arrest Sowore at Court in Abuja Over Protest Ban

Kindly Share This

By Folarin Johnson

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

Sowore was reportedly picked up by armed policemen on Thursday within the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after attending a court session to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Police Confirm Arrest, Cite Protest Ban Violation

Confirming the arrest, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told Channels Television that Sowore is currently in police custody and will be charged to court today.

Hundeyin explained that the activist’s arrest followed his alleged violation of an existing court order prohibiting protests within the Three Arms Zone, the area housing the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and Supreme Court in Abuja.

Rights Lawyer Effiong Condemns Arrest

Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the arrest as “preposterous” and a clear abuse of power.

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.”

Arrest Linked to #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest

Sowore’s arrest comes barely three days after he led a protest in Abuja demanding the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

During that demonstration, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others were reportedly arrested and later remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.