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Police: Why we arrested Sowore

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed the reason behind the arrest of a human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja.

Sowore was whisked away from the precincts of the Federal High Court in Abuja by armed policemen on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) was apprehended shortly after he made an appearance for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, whose case was heard in court.

He was accosted by the security operatives who insisted he must move with them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command Headquarters.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore was arrested for luring protesters into a restricted area to protest in contravention of an order of a court.

Hundeyin said: “Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and the reason is that the 13 people that were arrested previously in connection with FreeNnamdiKanu protest gave their statements.

“From the statements, everyone mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area in contravention of the court order.

#FreeNnamdiKanuNow: Court hears police suit against Sowore, others October 29

“So it would be most unfair to charge some people to court and leave the person that led them to commit the offence.

“That’s why, in the spirit of fair play, and to ensure that justice is served, Sowore was arrested today.”

The police spokesman stated that Sowore, like others, will not spend up to 24 hours with the police because “we will arraign him as soon as we wrap up his charges”.

“In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s arraigned today,” Hundeyin added.

Hundeyin disclosed that 13 suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the protest for violating a court order restricting protest in some areas in Abuja.

He said eight of the suspects were arrested around the Transcorp area of Abuja on Monday, while five others were arrested around the Ministry of Finance.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were arraigned in court within 24 hours.

The Star

Segun Ojo

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