Omoyele Sowore
By Olayiwola Mercy
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested by the police at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This arrest occurred shortly after he met with Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the court premises. Sowore had been attending Kanu’s trial and was seen exchanging pleasantries with him before the arrest.
The police claimed they were acting on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police, and when asked about the reason for the arrest, an officer mentioned that they had been instructed to bring Sowore to the police station. Sowore’s lawyer demanded to know the reason for the arrest and insisted on joining his client before he was taken away.
This arrest is believed to be linked to Sowore’s involvement in the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which demanded Kanu’s unconditional release. During the protest, several activists, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, were arrested and later remanded in Kuje prison. Sowore’s arrest has sparked reactions, with some describing it as “preposterous” and an attempt to undermine the judicial system.
Sowore’s associate described the arrest as unnecessary, stating that Sowore was planning to honor a police invitation. The police had previously warned against protests in restricted areas of Abuja, but Sowore dismissed the directive, citing the right to peaceful protest.
