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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has explained that the arrest of human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was linked to his alleged role in leading demonstrators into a restricted area during the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja, in defiance of a court order.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja.
“Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, and the reason is that the 13 people that were arrested previously in connection to the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest gave their statements,” Hundeyin said.
“From the statements, every one of them mentioned that one Sowore led them into the restricted area in contravention of the court order. So it would be most unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person that led them to commit the offence.
“And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play, and to ensure that justice is served, Sowore was arrested today,” he added.
According to the police spokesman, Sowore would not be detained beyond 24 hours as the Force plans to charge him to court immediately.
“In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s arraigned today,” Hundeyin stated.
He recalled that 13 suspects had earlier been arrested for violating the restriction order, with eight apprehended around the Transcorp area and five others near the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
Hundeyin said the arrests followed several warnings issued to protesters against converging in restricted zones.
Sowore’s arrest took place within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said the activist was accosted by armed policemen, who insisted he accompany them to the FCT Police Command.
When Sowore asked what his offence was, one of the officers reportedly replied:
“The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office.”