Nigeria Police Arrest Activist Omoyele Sowore at Court After Kanu Solidarity Visit

The Digest:

Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore was arrested by armed policemen within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to reports, the arrest occurred shortly after he appeared in solidarity with the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, with officers stating they were acting on the direct instruction of the Commissioner of Police.

Key Points:

• Activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested inside the Federal High Court premises in Abuja.
• The arrest occurred after he attended Nnamdi Kanu's court session in solidarity.
• Police officers stated they were acting on orders from the Commissioner of Police.
• Sowore was taken to the FCT Police Command after insisting that his lawyer accompany him.
• Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the arrest as "preposterous."
• This follows Monday's protest, where Sowore led #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstrations.
• Kanu's lawyer and brother were arrested during Monday's protest and remanded in Kuje prison.

This arrest marks a significant intensification of state response to public dissent, moving the confrontation directly into the sacred precincts of the judiciary and challenging the very notion of court premises as a sanctuary for civic engagement.

Sources: Premium Times