The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, saying he allegedly led protesters to a restricted area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite a court order prohibiting such gatherings.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundayin, disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
He said Sowore's arrest was linked to his alleged role in violating the existing restriction order to maintain public order in parts of the capital city.
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“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is simple.
“All thirteen people arrested earlier mentioned that Sowore had taken them to the restricted area in clear violation of the court order,” Hundeyin said.
He said the police felt it necessary to arrest the activist because all the protesters arrested earlier had reportedly identified him as their leader.
“It would be unjust to prosecute those already arrested and release the man alleged to be leading them,” Hundeyin said.
According to the police spokesperson, eight protesters were initially picked up near the Transcorp area of Abuja on Monday, while another five were arrested around the Finance Ministry, bringing the total to thirteen.
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“He was convicted the very next day and did not spend 24 hours in our custody,” he said.
Hundeyin said Sowore, who was later detained, would be charged to court after the investigation was completed.
Police said the protests violated the existing restriction order aimed at maintaining public order in sensitive areas of the FCT, warning that future violations would be met with similar lawful enforcement actions.
