Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, was whisked away by armed policemen shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been a vocal advocate for Kanu’s release, was approached by security operatives who informed him that he was required to accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
When questioned about his alleged offence, one of the officers reportedly told him, “The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office.”
Sowore protested the absence of an official invitation and insisted that his lawyer must accompany him before he was taken away in a police van.
The activist, who also serves as publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters, was among the organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that took place in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria last Monday.
During the demonstration, police arrested 12 individuals, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor. The detainees were subsequently remanded at Kuje Prison.
In the First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, the police accused the defendants of criminal conspiracy, incitement, and disturbance of public peace, offences under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
According to the charge, the protesters were arrested “while involving themselves in inciting disturbance and breach of public peace in disobedience to a court order, denying other citizens the freedom of movement, disrupting free flow of traffic, while chanting war songs and requesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu who is undergoing lawful trial at the Federal High Court in a manner that threatens national security.”
The court fixed Friday for the arraignment of the 12 defendants. It remains unclear whether Sowore will be added to the charge sheet following his arrest.
What You Should Know
Omoyele Sowore, a well-known activist and publisher, was arrested by armed police officers in Abuja shortly after attending Nnamdi Kanu’s court hearing.
His arrest follows a series of #FreeNnamdiKanu protests that resulted in multiple arrests, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer.
The police allege that the protesters acted in defiance of a court order, chanting war songs and disrupting traffic. Sowore’s possible inclusion in the ongoing case remains uncertain as of Thursday evening.
