On Thursday, the Nigeria Police Force detained Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights advocate and former presidential hopeful, while he was present at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This development was brought to light by Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, who shared the news on his social media platforms, revealing that Sowore’s arrest occurred inside the court premises.
Adeyanju commented, “BREAKING: Omoyele Sowore has just been taken into custody at the Federal High Court by the Nigerian Police. When will the Nigerian Police cease their unproductive actions?”
Sowore, known for founding Sahara Reporters and spearheading the #RevolutionNow campaign, was attending the hearing to support Kanu, who faces terrorism allegations from the federal government.
Earlier this week, Sowore organized a demonstration in Abuja advocating for Kanu’s freedom. The march commenced at Unity Fountain and proceeded towards the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa, drawing numerous activists and supporters of Kanu.
Among the demonstrators were Kanu’s legal representative Aloy Ejimakor and his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who held signs bearing messages like #FreeNnamdiKanuNow and #StopPersecutingNnamdiKanu, accusing the authorities of infringing on Kanu’s rights.
Related: Nnamdi Kanu opts for self-representation as legal team withdraws
Security forces reportedly intervened to break up the protest, detaining several participants including Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu.
Following the incident, Sowore accused Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun of orchestrating the crackdown, condemning it as an effort to stifle activists and quash opposition.
At the time of reporting, the police had yet to release an official statement concerning Sowore’s detention.
