The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, at a press briefing in Abuja, linked Sowore’s arrest to his alleged role as the “leader and instigator” of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Hundeyin explained that the decision to arrest Sowore stemmed from the need to apply the same standards of justice used against others detained during the protest, including human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, who represents the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu’s younger brother among others.
Hundeyin said, “If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair.
“And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
He added that Sowore would not be detained beyond the legal limit and that arrangements for his court appearance were already in motion.
He said, “Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us.
“Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today.”
An earlier report by NEWSNGR indicated that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court in Abuja, only hours after he had embraced Nnamdi Kanu.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong disclosed the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the police and President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining the nation’s judicial system.
Leave a Comment