Why We Arrested Sowore In Court — Police
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Nigeria Police Force has clarified the reasons behind the arrest of human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, told journalists during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday that Sowore was arrested for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in violation of a subsisting court order.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward,” Hundeyin said.
“The 13 people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order.”
According to the police spokesman, it would be unjust to prosecute those earlier arrested while exempting the individual alleged to have led them.
Hundeyin explained that eight persons were arrested on Monday near the Transcorp Hilton area of Abuja, while five others were picked up around the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total number of suspects to 13.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in custody,” he added, noting that Sowore would also be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
The police maintained that the protesters violated a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around sensitive government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, to maintain public order.
Reports indicated that Sowore joined the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign on Monday, demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody, where he has been held since June 2021.
The protest, which began around the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, at about 7:00 a.m., reportedly turned chaotic when security operatives fired teargas and gunshots into the air to disperse the crowd. Demonstrators later regrouped near Utako Market, but security personnel again dispersed them, prompting traders and passersby to flee.
Shops, offices, and business outlets in the vicinity were hastily shut down as teargas spread through the air, with some traders sustaining minor injuries while escaping.
Hundeyin dismissed allegations that police blocked major roads, explaining that officers only cleared routes obstructed by the protesters to ensure the free movement of other citizens.
He confirmed that Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer were among those arrested for allegedly insisting on entering the restricted zone despite repeated police warnings.
The police reiterated that the restriction order remains in force and urged citizens to conduct demonstrations within designated areas to avoid disruption of public peace in the capital.
