Tension erupted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
The arrest occurred shortly after court proceedings involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said Sowore, who was at the court in solidarity with Kanu, was accosted by a team of armed policemen as he stepped out of the courtroom.
The officers, reportedly acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, whisked him away in a waiting police vehicle amid protests from supporters and journalists present at the scene.
Sowore’s lawyer and associates described the action as “a brazen violation of democratic rights,” noting that the activist had not been formally served with any warrant before being taken away.
As of press time, neither the Police nor the Department of State Services (DSS) had issued an official statement on the reason for the arrest. However, sources hinted that the move might be linked to Sowore’s recent activism and his public comments criticizing the government’s handling of political detainees.
Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been a consistent critic of government policies and a strong advocate for democratic reforms in Nigeria.
His latest arrest has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and human rights groups, who have demanded his immediate release.
Further details about his detention and possible charges are expected to unfold in the coming hours.
