Police: Sowore was arrested for leading protesters to restricted areas

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and publisher, was arrested for leading the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest to “restricted areas” in Abuja.

Earlier on Thursday, Sowore was arrested shortly after leaving the premises of the federal high court in Abuja.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Benjamin Hundeyin, force spokesperson, said those arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja contravened a court order restricting movement in those areas.

Hundeyin said those who were arrested mentioned Sowore as the leader of the protest, adding that it would be unfair not to arrest the publisher.

“Today, Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force. You will ask, why was he arrested? It is very simple,” he said.

“The 13 people who were arrested previously all gave their statements. There was a constant in their statements.

“Every one of them mentioned that one Omoyele Sowore led them into the restricted areas in contravention of the court order. It would be unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that; more like he is the leader.

“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we have all the charges, he will be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he goes to court today.”

On Monday, Sowore led protesters to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is standing trial for alleged terrorism.

During the protest in Abuja, the police shot teargas canisters at commuters and protesters.

The police also arrested some protesters, including Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers who represented Kanu.

The police charged Ejimakor, alongside 12 others, with various offences, including conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance of public peace, and contravening sections 152, 114, and 133 of the Penal Code Law.

A magistrate court in Abuja had ordered the remand of the defendants.

‘SOWORE IS NOT A CRIMINAL’

Reacting to the development, Take It Back Movement, in a statement signed by Sanyaolu Juwon, its national coordinator, said the arrest and detention of Sowore “will be met with an immediate, nationwide mass action”.

The group said the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by the 1999 constitution, adding that the publisher is not a criminal but an activist.

“Sowore is not a criminal; he is a renowned human rights activist and a voice of conscience for millions of oppressed Nigerians who continue to suffer under a corrupt and tyrannical system,” the statement reads.

“The Tinubu-led regime must understand that this is not 1984, and Nigerians will not sit idly while their rights to dissent and protest are trampled upon.

“The right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed, and no regime, no matter how desperate, can take it away.

“Let it be clearly known: if Sowore is not released immediately and unconditionally, the Take It Back Movement, alongside progressive organizations across the country, will mobilize citizens for sustained protests and civil disobedience actions until he regains his freedom.

“We hold the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, and the Tinubu regime fully responsible for the safety and well-being of Omoyele Sowore.”