Police Explains Why Omoyele Sowore Was Arrested Over Abuja Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested to ensure fairness in prosecuting those involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin told journalists on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest, Hundeyin said, was necessary to hold all participants, including their leader, accountable.

“If we charge some people and leave out the person who led them into committing that act, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and to ensure justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today,” he explained.

The police emphasized that Sowore’s detention would not exceed the legal limit and that he would be arraigned in court the same day. “Like the others, he won’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we finalise the charges, he’ll be prosecuted immediately. If all goes as planned, he’ll be taken to court today,” Hundeyin added.

Sowore was reportedly apprehended at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday shortly after meeting with Kanu during the latter’s ongoing terrorism trial.