Human rights activist and prominent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, was re-arrested by the Nigerian Police on Friday, shortly after his appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja.
Sowore, along with Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a former member of Kanu’s legal team, and ten others, had earlier fulfilled their bail conditions as set by the court.
The Magistrate Court had granted them bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with the requirement that they provide two sureties residing within the Federal Capital Territory, each possessing valid identification and proof of three years of tax clearance.
However, despite meeting all bail requirements, Sowore was reportedly the only one rearrested. Witnesses said he was forcefully taken away by police officers and transported to Kuje Prison moments after the court proceedings concluded.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Sowore is expected to be arraigned again on Monday, October 27, on a fresh charge allegedly stemming from his public statement accusing President Bola Tinubu of being a criminal.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and rights advocates who view the move as another attempt to silence dissenting voices and intimidate government critics.
What You Should Know
Omoyele Sowore, a veteran journalist, publisher of SaharaReporters, and former presidential candidate, has long been known for his fearless activism and campaigns against government corruption and abuse of power.
His re-arrest, coming only hours after meeting bail conditions, underscores Nigeria’s growing concerns over shrinking civic space and state intolerance of opposition voices. The new charge related to his remarks about President Tinubu is likely to rekindle debate about free speech and political accountability in the country.
