The Nigeria Police Force has explained that the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was linked to allegations that he led protesters into a restricted area in violation of a court order.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore’s arrest followed statements obtained from 13 protesters earlier detained during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration.
“Every one of them mentioned that one Sowore led them into the restricted area in contravention of the court order,” Hundeyin said.
“It would be unfair to charge the others while leaving out the person who allegedly led them. In the spirit of fairness and justice, Sowore was arrested today.”
Hundeyin added that the activist’s detention was temporary, stating that he would be arraigned “as soon as his charges are ready,” possibly within 24 hours.
The police spokesperson also revealed that 13 suspects had previously been arrested for defying a court injunction restricting protests around sensitive areas in Abuja, including Transcorp Hilton and the Ministry of Finance.
“Eight suspects were arrested on Monday near the Transcorp area, while five others were picked up around the Ministry of Finance. They were arraigned in court within 24 hours,” Hundeyin confirmed.
The police maintained that their actions were in compliance with the court order restricting public demonstrations around Aso Rock, Eagle Square, and other high-security zones in the Federal Capital Territory.
The arrest of Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has drawn strong criticism from activists and civic groups, who described it as another attempt to stifle dissent.
