By Joy Yesufu
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, on Thursday in Abuja was carried out to ensure fairness and consistency in the prosecution of individuals involved in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated this while addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that Sowore, who allegedly led demonstrators into a restricted area during the protest in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, could not be exempted from prosecution when others had already been charged.
“If we go ahead to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them into the restricted area, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.” Hundeyin said.
He added that the activist would not be held beyond the constitutionally permitted period and would likely be arraigned within 24 hours.
“Like the others, he won’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we conclude the charges, he will be prosecuted. If everything goes as planned, he will appear in court today,” the police spokesman said.
Sowore was arrested on the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had appeared in solidarity with Kanu, whose trial resumed on Thursday.
His arrest followed Monday’s protest in Abuja, during which several supporters of the IPOB leader were detained and later charged before a magistrate court in Kuje.
