ABUJA: Armed police officers on Thursday arrested activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after he appeared in court in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said the policemen surrounded Sowore and insisted that he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
When asked what his alleged offence was, one of the officers reportedly stated that they were acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office, one of the officers was quoted as saying.
Sowore, however, questioned the legality of the arrest, noting that he was not served any formal invitation and demanded that his lawyer accompany him before he was taken away in a police van.
His arrest comes just days after he helped organise the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held on Monday, October 20, which demanded the release of the IPOB leader from prolonged detention.
During that protest, 12 persons including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and one of his lawyers, Alloy Ejimakor were reportedly arrested and later remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The police are yet to issue an official statement on Sowore’s arrest as of the time of filing this report.
