Breaking: Drama at Federal high court as police whisk away Sowore over FreeNnamdiKanu protest

Breaking: Drama at Federal high court as police whisk away Sowore over FreeNnamdiKanu protest

ABUJA — Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday forcefully taken away by armed police officers from the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after attending proceedings for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, a vocal advocate for Kanu’s release, was accosted by security operatives who insisted he follow them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. When asked about the reason for his arrest, one of the officers simply stated, “The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office.”

Despite questioning the lack of a formal invitation and demanding that his lawyer accompany him, the activist was bundled into a police van and driven away.

Protest Fallout Deepens

Sowore’s arrest comes days after the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest rocked Abuja and other cities on Monday. The demonstration, which called for the release of the IPOB leader, led to the arrest of 12 individuals, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Barrister Alloy Ejimakor.

READ ALSO:

• Assault Video: FCT police commissioner redeploys DPO over misconduct
• UK tightens post-study work rules for international students
• Oyo state govt dismisses viral post on entertainment tax as fake

The police, in a First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, alleged that the protesters violated a court order, chanted war songs, and disrupted traffic flow—actions they claim amounted to criminal conspiracy, incitement, and breach of public peace.

Charges and Court Proceedings

The FIR listed the names of the 12 defendants and detailed their alleged offences under sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. The court has fixed Friday for their arraignment.

It remains unclear whether Sowore will be added to the list of defendants, as police have yet to confirm the nature of his involvement beyond his presence at the court and his role in organizing the protest.

Background

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a known critic of government policies, has consistently campaigned for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently undergoing trial at the Federal High Court.

The unfolding events have raised fresh concerns about the handling of civil protests and the rights of activists in Nigeria.

Breaking: Drama at Federal high court as police whisk away Sowore over FreeNnamdiKanu protest