In a dramatic scene at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, armed police officers detained and forcibly removed activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. The arrest occurred just moments after Sowore had attended a court proceeding for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, a prominent figure in the movement calling for Kanu’s release, was confronted by a team of security operatives within the court precincts. They informed him he was required to accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
When Sowore demanded to know the reason for his detention, an officer stated they were acting on the direct orders of the Commissioner of Police. “The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer declared, offering no further details or presenting a formal letter of invitation.
Despite protesting the lack of due process and insisting that his lawyer be present, Sowore was escorted into a police van and driven away.
Connection to Ongoing Crackdown on Protesters
The arrest appears directly linked to Sowore’s involvement in last Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, which took place in Abuja and other cities across the country. Sowore was among the organizers of the demonstration, which authorities claim was held in defiance of a court order.
In the wake of that protest, twelve individuals—including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor—were arrested and subsequently remanded at Kuje prison.
The police have leveled formal charges against the twelve, alleging they engaged in “criminal conspiracy, incited disturbance, and disturbed public peace.” According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Kuje Chief Magistrate Court, the defendants are accused of disrupting traffic, chanting war songs, and threatening national security through their demands for Kanu’s release.
The specific charges fall under sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. The court has scheduled Friday for the defendants to enter their pleas.
Uncertain Legal Future for Sowore
As of now, it remains unclear whether the police will amend the existing charge sheet to include Sowore as a co-defendant or if he faces separate allegations. His abrupt removal from the courthouse signals a significant escalation in the government’s response to dissent and public agitation surrounding the high-profile detention of Nnamdi Kanu.