By Obasola Olatunde
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday arrested by armed policemen within the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, shortly after attending the trial of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who had appeared in solidarity with Kanu, was picked up by operatives who said they were acting on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.
“The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office,” one of the officers reportedly told him.
Despite questioning the absence of a formal invitation, Sowore insisted his lawyer accompany him before he was eventually taken away in a police van.
Confirming the arrest, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the action as “preposterous,” accusing the police and the government of “making a mockery of the judicial system.”
Reacting later, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore’s arrest was to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that Sowore allegedly led demonstrators into a restricted area, and that it would be unjust to prosecute others while exempting their leader.
“In the spirit of fair play and to ensure justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today,” he said.
The police spokesman added that Sowore would not be detained beyond legal limits, noting that he would be charged to court within 24 hours.
“If all goes as planned, he will be prosecuted today,” Hundeyin assured.
