
Activist Henry Nwodo was arrested in Abuja ahead of a planned protest against police impunity, triggered by the Nigeria Police Force’s invitation to Omoyele Sowore for questioning. Nwodo’s detention has raised concerns over freedom of expression and political activism in Nigeria.
Activist Henry Nwodo was detained by Nigeria Police officers in the Jahi 2 area of Abuja on January 26, 2025, ahead of a scheduled protest against police impunity. The protest, titled #EndPoliceExtortion, was to be held at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters on January 27. The demonstration followed the police's invitation to Omoyele Sowore for questioning regarding his involvement in alleged cyberstalking and intimidation related to a viral video showing him confronting police officers who had stopped his vehicle.
Nwodo, who is part of the Take It Back Movement and serves as the spokesperson for the African Action Congress (AAC), was reportedly arrested without access to legal counsel. His detention has raised concerns about the suppression of political activism and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The protest was intended to highlight police misconduct and hold officers accountable for actions such as extortion and abuse of power. While Sowore attended the police headquarters on January 27 to respond to the invitation, Nwodo’s arrest casts a shadow over the growing tension between activists and law enforcement in the country. This incident is fueling further debates on the government's response to political activism and protests.