Sowore was arrested for leading protest in restricted area, he would be charged to court quickly” – Nigeria police

 

In a significant development on October 23, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) arrested prominent human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore. The arrest occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Sowore was present to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

According to the NPF, the arrest was related to a protest Sowore led just three days earlier, which police say violated an existing court order restricting demonstrations in certain parts of the capital.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, provided a detailed explanation for the arrest during a press briefing. The police stated that Sowore was apprehended for deliberately leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja on October 20, 2025.

Hundeyin explained that Sowore was arrested to ensure that justice was applied fairly to all individuals involved in the protest. Thirteen other protesters had already been arrested and reportedly identified Sowore as their leader. The police argued it would be unjust to prosecute only the rank-and-file protesters and not the person alleged to have led them.

The police spokesman stated that Sowore would be charged to court quickly, like the other arrested protesters. The demonstration on October 20, 2025, was part of the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” campaign, demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader.

A court injunction had been issued to prevent protests in sensitive areas of Abuja, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.

On the day of the protest, police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators after they allegedly ignored warnings. The incident led to the arrest of 12 other individuals, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, who were later remanded in prison.

Rights lawyers, including Inibehe Effiong, have strongly condemned the arrest. Effiong called the move “preposterous” and accused the police and the Tinubu regime of making a mockery of the judicial system.

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement, a group associated with Sowore, condemned the arrest and threatened nationwide protests if their leader was not immediately released.

This is not the first time Sowore has been arrested by Nigerian authorities. In August 2025, he was detained over alleged forgery and cyberbullying against the Inspector-General of Police. His history of activism and confrontations with the authorities adds a layer of complexity to this most recent arrest.