The Nigeria Police defend the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore, alleging he led protesters into a restricted area in Abuja despite a court order banning such gatherings.
SoworeArrestUpdate reports that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, stating that he allegedly led protesters into a restricted area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite a court order prohibiting such gatherings.
Police Justify Arrest
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, made the clarification during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that Sowore’s arrest was linked to his alleged role in violating an existing restriction order designed to preserve public order in sensitive parts of the capital city.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward. The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order,” Hundeyin said.
Protesters Identified Sowore as Leader
According to Hundeyin, the Police found it necessary to arrest Sowore after earlier apprehended protesters identified him as their leader.
“It would be unjust to prosecute those already arrested while leaving out the person alleged to have led them,” he added.
He revealed that eight protesters were initially arrested on Monday near the Transcorp area of Abuja, while another five were picked up around the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total to thirteen.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” Hundeyin noted.
Sowore to Face Charges After Investigation
The Police spokesman confirmed that Sowore, who was taken into custody later, would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
He emphasized that the protest breached a subsisting restriction order aimed at maintaining public order within sensitive areas of the FCT, warning that future violations would attract similar lawful enforcement actions.