Police Explain Why Omoyele Sowore Was Arrested Over ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the reasons behind the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, saying he allegedly led protesters into a restricted area in defiance of a court order.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

“Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, and the reason is that the 13 people earlier arrested in connection with the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest gave their statements,” Hundeyin said.

“From their statements, every one of them mentioned that one Sowore led them into the restricted area in contravention of the court order. So, it would be unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit the offence. That’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure justice is served, Sowore was arrested today,” he explained.

Hundeyin added that Sowore, like the others, would not be detained for long. “He will not spend up to 24 hours with the police because we will arraign him as soon as we conclude his charges. In fact, if everything goes as planned, he will be arraigned today,” he said.

The police spokesman also recalled that 13 protesters had earlier been arrested for violating a court order restricting demonstrations in certain parts of Abuja.

He said eight protesters were arrested around the Transcorp area and five others near the Ministry of Finance. “They were arrested because they violated the court order restricting movements within those areas despite several warnings,” Hundeyin stated, adding that the suspects were arraigned in court within 24 hours.