Police Explain Reasons Behind Sowore’s Arrest Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja, Promise Swift Prosecution

 

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, following his involvement in the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest that took place in Abuja on Monday. The police insist the action was necessary to uphold fairness, justice, and accountability among all individuals connected to the demonstration.

Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that Sowore’s arrest was not a random act of intimidation or political victimization, but rather a legal measure to ensure equal treatment for every participant in the protest. He emphasized that those who played leadership roles in organizing and guiding protesters into restricted areas would not be exempt from responsibility.

According to Hundeyin, fairness demanded that the police not only prosecute the individuals apprehended during the protest but also those who allegedly directed the group into actions that breached security protocols. The spokesperson noted that failing to take such steps would have created the impression of selective justice.

He said, “If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair. And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest had erupted earlier in the week as demonstrators gathered to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Protesters marched through several parts of Abuja, calling on the Federal Government to comply with recent court orders and international appeals concerning Kanu’s continued detention. However, the demonstration reportedly entered restricted zones around key government buildings, leading to heightened security alerts and police intervention.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that Sowore, a long-standing critic of the Nigerian government and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, was visibly present at the protest, offering vocal support to the demonstrators. His presence appeared to attract significant media attention, which the police claim further influenced the crowd’s actions.

While many activists and civil society groups have criticized Sowore’s arrest as an attempt to stifle dissent, the police have maintained that the operation was conducted within the boundaries of the law. Hundeyin assured the public that the activist would not be detained longer than the law permits.

He explained, “Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today.”

The police spokesperson further stressed that the force was committed to professionalism and transparency, adding that the arrest should not be misinterpreted as an act of political persecution. He urged Nigerians to view the development through the lens of legal accountability rather than political rivalry.

Political observers have noted that Sowore’s arrest adds another layer of controversy to the government’s handling of political activism and protests in Nigeria. Over the years, the activist has faced several arrests and legal challenges due to his outspoken criticism of state authorities and his role in organizing anti-government demonstrations. Many analysts argue that the frequent confrontation between the police and activists reflects deeper issues around freedom of expression, civil liberties, and the right to peaceful assembly.

Human rights organizations have already begun calling for transparency in the legal process, warning against any form of intimidation or violation of Sowore’s rights. Amnesty International and other advocacy groups have consistently urged the Nigerian government to respect the constitutional right of citizens to protest, noting that dissent is a fundamental part of democracy.

Supporters of Sowore have expressed concern that his arrest could discourage citizens from engaging in peaceful protests. They argue that Nigeria’s democratic space has increasingly narrowed due to the government’s tendency to clamp down on dissenting voices. Meanwhile, legal experts have advised that the police must ensure due process is followed throughout Sowore’s prosecution to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

As of Thursday evening, there were indications that the police were preparing to arraign Sowore before a magistrate court in Abuja. Details of the charges have not been publicly disclosed, but sources within the police suggested that they relate to unlawful assembly and entry into a restricted area.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement has continued to gain momentum on social media, with activists demanding both Kanu’s release and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. Whether Sowore’s arrest will de-escalate or further inflame the ongoing agitation remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the incident has reignited national conversations about the limits of state power and the balance between national security and citizens’ rights.

Observers believe that the outcome of Sowore’s prosecution could set an important precedent for how Nigeria handles activism in the years ahead. The police, for their part, insist that their actions were guided solely by law and fairness, while Sowore’s supporters argue that justice must include the right to dissent without fear of persecution.

For now, Nigerians wait to see how swiftly the justice system will act, and whether this arrest will mark yet another chapter in the continuing debate over protest, power, and democracy in the country.