Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin
Why we arrested Sowore — Police
The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over his alleged involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, described Sowore as the “leader and instigator” of the protest, which saw demonstrators breach restricted areas around the Federal High Court premises.
Hundeyin stated that the arrest was in line with the principle of equal justice, noting that other participants in the protest—including human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, and several others—had already been detained and charged.
“If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair,” Hundeyin said.
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He added that Sowore’s detention would not exceed the legally permitted duration, assuring that arrangements for his immediate prosecution were underway.
“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us,” Hundeyin said. “Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today.”
Sowore was reportedly arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after he exchanged greetings with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the police and President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining the judiciary and stifling dissent.
Effiong described the move as “a dangerous precedent” and called for Sowore’s immediate release.
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