Abuja, Nigeria (Naija247news) — Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday, October 23, 2025, arrested by armed policemen within the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after he appeared in solidarity with detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses at the court said Sowore, who has been one of the most vocal advocates for Kanu’s release, was surrounded by security operatives and whisked away in a police van despite his protests.
According to reports, the officers insisted that Sowore must accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, citing instructions from the Commissioner of Police.
“The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office,” one of the officers told him.
Although Sowore demanded to see a formal letter of invitation and insisted that his lawyer accompany him, the police reportedly ignored his objections before taking him away.
Confirming the incident in a post via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiongcondemned the arrest as “preposterous” and politically motivated.
“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans,” Effiong wrote.
Context — #FreeNnamdiKanu Protests
Sowore’s arrest comes just days after he led a protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20, as part of the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstrations that spread across several states.
During that protest, Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others were also arrested and remanded at Kuje Prison.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kuje, police accused the protesters of criminal conspiracy, incitement, and breach of public peace, offences punishable under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
The police alleged that the defendants chanted war songs, obstructed traffic, and violated a court order while demanding Kanu’s release.
“You thereby committed the aforementioned offences,” the FIR read in part.
The court has fixed Friday for the defendants to take their plea on the charges.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups have condemned Sowore’s arrest as an attempt to intimidate activists and undermine freedom of expression, urging authorities to release him unconditionally.
More details to come…
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
