October 23, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over his alleged involvement in a protest that breached a subsisting court order.
THEWILL had earlier reported that Sowore was arrested shortly after leaving the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
On Monday, he led the #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest in the nation’s capital, which saw security operatives arrest Kanu’s brother, his lawyer, and eleven other protesters.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, had earlier issued an interim order restraining Sowore and others from staging protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in certain sensitive areas of Abuja.
The order specifically barred demonstrations around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore was arrested for luring protesters into a restricted area in contravention of the court order.
Hundeyin said, “Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, and the reason is that the 13 people that were arrested previously in connection to the “FreeNnamdiKanu” protest gave their statement.
“From the 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 most unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person that led them to commit the offence. And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play, and to ensure that justice is served, Sowore was arrested today,” he said.
The police spokesman asserted that Sowore, like the others, would not spend up to 24 hours in police custody.
“We will arraign him as soon as we wrap up his charges. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s arraigned today,” he said.
Hundeyin reiterated that 13 suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the protest for violating the court order.
He noted that eight of the suspects were arrested on Monday around the Transcorp area of Abuja, while five others were arrested around the Ministry of Finance for contravening the court order that restricted movements within those areas despite several warnings.
He confirmed these suspects were arraigned in court within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Justice Mohammed Umar on Thursday fixed October 29 for hearing in the police suit against Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
