Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday arrested by armed police at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The detention came shortly after he attended a court session to show solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in custody.
Eyewitnesses said Sowore was surrounded by security operatives as he exited the courtroom. Officers insisted he accompany them to the FCT Police Command for questioning, citing orders from the Commissioner of Police. Sowore requested to see a formal invitation and insisted on having his lawyer present but was eventually taken into custody.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “outrageous” and an affront to judicial integrity, urging Sowore’s immediate release.
The arrest follows Sowore-led demonstrations on October 20 under the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, which also saw the detention of Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, and ten other supporters. Police alleged the protesters defied a court order, disrupted public order, and committed criminal conspiracy and incitement under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
The Federal High Court has scheduled Friday for the arraignment of all defendants, including Sowore, to take their plea.
