Police explain why Sowore was arrested in Abuja protest
The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist, saying he allegedly led protesters into a restricted area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite a court order prohibiting such gatherings.
Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
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He stated that Sowore’s arrest was linked to his alleged role in violating an existing restriction order meant to preserve public order in 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
He explained that the police found it necessary to arrest the activist after all earlier apprehended protesters reportedly identified him as their leader.
“It would be unjust to prosecute those already arrested while leaving out the person alleged to have led them,” Hundeyin added.
According to the police spokesman, eight protesters were initially picked up on Monday near the Transcorp area of Abuja, while another five were arrested around the Ministry of Finance, making a total of thirteen.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” he said.
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Hundeyin noted that Sowore, who was taken into custody later, would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
The police maintained that the protest breached a subsisting restriction order aimed at maintaining public order within sensitive areas of the FCT, warning that future violations would be met with similar lawful enforcement actions.
