Police Confirms Arrest Of Sowore For Leading #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest In Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was arrested for organizing the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

KanyiDaily recalls that Omoyele Sowore was taken into custody on Thursday shortly after leaving the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On Monday, Sowore led a protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing terrorism-related charges.

During the demonstration, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters and arrested several participants, including Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and brother, Emmanuel Kanu.

Ejimakor and 12 others were later charged with conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance of public peace, and contravening sections 152, 114, and 133 of the Penal Code Law.

They were subsequently remanded by a magistrate court in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said those arrested during the protest violated a court order restricting movement in certain parts of the city.

He added that the people earlier arrested identified Sowore as the leader of the demonstration, which led to his detention.

“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.”

This comes barely 24 hours after Omoyele Sowore visited Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the detained lawyer representing Nnamdi Kanu, along with Kanu’s younger brother Emmanuel and other protesters detained over the recent demonstration in Abuja.