The Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement explaining the arrest of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier today. The arrest followed Sowore’s appearance in support of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose trial was ongoing.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration held on Monday, October 20, 2025. The protest was part of the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, which drew supporters including human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Kanu’s younger brother.
Hundeyin stated: “If we charge some people to court and leave the person who led them into the restricted area, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
The police emphasized that Sowore’s arrest was not politically motivated but rather a matter of equal application of the law. Hundeyin added that Sowore would not be detained longer than necessary and was expected to be charged within 24 hours: “Like the others, he won’t spend much time with us. Once we finish preparing the charges, he will be prosecuted today.”
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, questioned the legality of the arrest, noting that he had not received any formal invitation prior to being taken away. He insisted that his lawyer accompany him to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command before complying with the officers’ request.