The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has taken into custody Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, following allegations that he violated a court order restricting protests in the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
The arrest occurred Thursday at the Federal High Court, shortly after Sowore showed support for the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Sowore is currently in police custody and will face court proceedings today.
“He was apprehended for allegedly violating a court order prohibiting protests in the Three Arms Zone,” Hundeyin stated.
Reacting to the arrest, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong called the action “preposterous,” describing it as a mockery of the judicial system. Effiong urged immediate release of the activist.
Sowore’s detention followed his leadership of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest earlier this week, during which Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 others were arrested and remanded at Kuje Prison.
The arrested individuals are facing charges including inciting public disturbance and obstructing free movement during the protest.
The activist has also accused security operatives of using excessive force on peaceful protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally near the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Sowore told The Morning Brief on Channels Television that security forces opened fire shortly after the protest began, escalating tensions in the capital.
This development adds to ongoing tensions between security agencies and pro-democracy activists in Abuja, highlighting continued scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of public demonstrations.
