Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore Again After Court Appearance In Abuja

Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore Again After Court Appearance In Abuja

Human rights activist and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow advocate, Omoyele Sowore, was taken into custody again by the Nigeria Police shortly after his court session at the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja on Friday. Sowore, along with Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, a former member of Kanu’s legal team, and ten others, had earlier been granted bail after meeting all the conditions set by the court. The bail terms required each defendant to pay ₦500,000, provide two sureties residing in the Federal Capital Territory, present valid means of identification, and show proof of tax payment for the last three years. However, minutes after the court proceedings ended, police officers reportedly surrounded Sowore and whisked him away to Kuje Prison, despite confirmation that he had met all bail requirements. He is expected to appear in court again on Monday, October 27, on a new charge linked to his recent statement describing President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.

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Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer And Brother Granted Bail Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja

A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted bail to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, along with Aloy Ejimakor — a lawyer on Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team — the IPOB leader’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten other persons. The court approved bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The thirteen defendants had been charged with inciting public disturbance and breaching the peace following their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place in Abuja on October 20. While Ejimakor, Emmanuel, and the other protesters were detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre after their arrest during the rally, Sowore was picked up on October 23 at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, where he had gone to show support during Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial.

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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.

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Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja

Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been arrested by the Nigeria Police at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The arrest was made public by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who condemned the incident in a post on X, describing it as a disgrace to the rule of law. “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans,” Effiong wrote. Before the incident, Sowore had shared on Facebook that he was at the Federal High Court with Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, who disclosed that his legal team was withdrawing from Kanu’s case, leaving the IPOB leader to face trial without legal representation. As of the time of this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest has not been made known by the police.

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Sowore Demands Release Of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters, Warns Of Street Action

Omoyele Sowore has called for the immediate release of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, activist Fineboy Kanu, and others detained over the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests, describing their arrest as “illegal” and alleging they were tortured while in custody. In a post on X early Monday, Sowore addressed the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (@FCT_PoliceNG), warning that if the detainees are not freed, his supporters would take action. “@FCT_PoliceNG is instructed to release Barrister @AloyEjimakor, Fineboy Kanu, and others illegally arrested, tortured, and currently being forced into detention over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest immediately, or we will mobilize the entire crew now on the street to the FCT command and occupy their office!” he wrote. The statement comes amid ongoing demonstrations across Nigeria demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who faces treason-related charges. Security agencies have recently detained several protesters in Abuja and other cities, citing concerns over public order. Sowore’s post signals a potential escalation, as he threatens to lead protesters to the FCT Police headquarters if the detainees are not released. The situation highlights rising tensions between protest organizers and security forces, both on the streets and online.

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Sowore Flees as Police Disperse ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reportedly turned chaotic in Abuja as security operatives fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse demonstrators. The rally, which was led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was held in the Maitama area of the capital. Witnesses said the police moved in shortly after the protesters began chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” leading to a stampede as participants fled the scene. Although live rounds were discharged, there is no confirmation that the bullets were aimed directly at protesters, and no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, more videos emerging from the capital show parts of Abuja under partial lockdown, with heavy traffic congestion and restricted movement following the security clampdown.

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Security Operatives Disperse #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest Led by Sowore in Abuja

Security operatives on Monday forcefully dispersed protesters led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who gathered in Abuja under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement. The demonstration, which also had in attendance lawyer Barr. Aloy Ejimakor and other supporters of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took place near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama. Protesters were seen chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and calling on the federal government to release the separatist leader. They also warned security agents against the use of tear gas during the peaceful gathering. However, the situation reportedly turned chaotic as gunshots rang out, prompting the protesters to flee for safety. As of press time, there has been no official statement from either the police or the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the incident or possible arrests.

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Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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