By Ademuyiwa Balikis
Security operatives have arrested the publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after attending the court session of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
According to reports, Sowore was intercepted by armed police officers as he was leaving the court and was asked to accompany them to the office of the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The activist questioned the legality of the arrest, insisting that he had not received any formal invitation from the police. He maintained that his lawyer must accompany him before he would leave with the officers.
Witnesses at the court premises said the arrest caused tension as police officers surrounded Sowore and took him away in a white police vehicle.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement quoted by Channels Television, said Sowore was arrested for allegedly violating a subsisting court order that prohibits protests within the Three Arms Zone area of Abuja.
Reacting to the arrest, Sowore’s associate, who confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, said the activist had planned to honour a police invitation before he was taken away.
“He was going to honour their invitation. It was in the itinerary. I wonder why they were so much in a hurry,” the associate said.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also wrote on social media: “Omoyele Sowore just arrested at the Federal High Court by the Nigerian police. When will the Nigerian police stop acting jobless?”
Another lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the arrest as preposterous, adding that “the police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”
Sowore’s arrest comes amid renewed protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing terrorism related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Earlier this week, several protesters, including Kanu’s brother and a lawyer, were arrested during a demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest in the nation’s capital.
The police have not filed any formal charges against Sowore, and his lawyers have called for his immediate release, describing the arrest within the court premises as a violation of judicial sanctity and due process.
