Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore was arrested today by the Nigeria Police Force shortly after leaving the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Sowore had attended the court session in connection with the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the police, his arrest is linked to his role in leading protesters into a “restricted area” during a rally on Monday, calling for Kanu’s release.
Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, said those arrested in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest had all “mentioned that one Omoyele Sowore led them into the restricted areas in contravention of the court order.”
He added, “It would be unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person that led them to commit the offence.”
According to the police, Sowore’s arrest was intended to ensure parity in legal proceedings and that he may be arraigned once the necessary charges are concluded.
The protest in question took place on 20 October 2025, when Sowore mobilised Nigerians to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Security agencies responded with tear gas and blocked certain roads in Abuja.
That demonstration was held despite an interim injunction by a court order which had restricted protests around key federal institutions, including the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock), the National Assembly, Police Headquarters, Eagle Square and other areas.
The Take It Back Movement, with which Sowore is affiliated, has denounced the arrest and warned of “immediate, nationwide mass action.”
Meanwhile, the police have said Sowore will be arraigned in court once the charges are finalised.
The Federal High Court has scheduled a hearing for a police-filed suit against Sowore and other protest conveners on 29 October.
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