Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore was taken into police custody on Thursday after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The arrest occurred within the court premises shortly after the day’s proceedings. Armed police officers approached Sowore and informed him he was required to accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
When Sowore inquired about the reason for his detention, an officer stated they were acting on a direct order from the Commissioner of Police. โThe commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,โ the officer was quoted as saying.
Sowore, who maintained that his lawyer must accompany him, was taken away in a police van despite questioning the absence of a formal letter of invitation.
The arrest places a renewed spotlight on the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding Kanu’s detention. Sowore has been a frontline agitator for Kanu’s release and was among the organizers of a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that took place in Abuja last Monday.
That demonstration led to the arrest and subsequent remand of 12 individuals, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, and one of his lawyers, Alloy Ejimakor. They face charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disturbing public peace, with their plea hearing scheduled for Friday.
It is not yet clear if Sowore’s detention is directly linked to the same charges filed against the other protesters. The police have not immediately issued an official statement detailing the grounds for his arrest.
Sowore remained in police custody while his legal team sought clarification and access to their client.
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