Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja. The human rights activist was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday shortly after leaving the Federal High Court, where he had appeared for a scheduled proceeding.
According to Sahara Reporters, Sowore’s arrest was allegedly ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The activist had been expected to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of forgery of a police wireless message, allegedly filed under the instruction of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. However, upon arriving at the court, Sowore was informed that the presiding judge would not be sitting.
Witnesses at the scene said a police officer approached Sowore after he exited the court premises, informing him that he was under arrest on the directive of the FCT Police Commissioner. Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, reportedly confronted the officers, demanding clarification on the reason for his detention.
The arrest comes just days after Sowore led a protest in Abuja under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The demonstration, which caused major traffic disruptions in parts of the capital, also led to the arrest of Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
