Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, was, on Thursday morning, arrested by the Police shortly after meeting with Nnamdi Kanu at the Abuja Federal High Court.
Sowore was picked up by law enforcement agents shortly after he had appeared in court in solidarity with Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB.
The activist and publisher, who has been at the forefront of calls for Kanu’s release from detention, was picked up by security operatives who insisted that he must come with them to the FCT Police Command.
One of the heavily armed police officers who was asked what was his offence, he said they were acting on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police.
“The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer was reported to have simply explained.
Sowore, who has been at the forefront of calls for Kanu’s release from detention, was picked up by security operatives who insisted that he must come with them to the FCT Police Command.
Although Sowore queried the absence of a formal letter of invitation, he maintained that his lawyer must accompany him before he was eventually taken away in a police van.
Confirming Sowore’s arrest in a post via his X handle, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the arrest at the Abuja Federal High Court as “preposterous”.
“The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”
Sowore had earlier shared a video where he was seen hugging the IPOB leader, who is standing trial for alleged terrorism-related offences, in the court premises.
He also wrote: “Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today.
“The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong! #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”
Sowore had, on Monday, led the lawyer of the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel, in a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
The demonstration was dispersed by Police, who arrested Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel, and other participants. They were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje and remanded in Kuje prison.
Kanu Indicates Intention To Defend Self
Meanwhile, the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has indicated his intention to defend himself before the Justice James Omotosho-led court on terrorism-related charges.
His resolve followed the decision of his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi SAN, to withdraw from the trial.
The IPOB leader has been in Police detention since 2021, after being re-arrested in Kenya and from where he was extradited back to Nigeria.
