
The Nigeria Police Force has stated that the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore was to ensure fairness and justice in the ongoing prosecution of individuals involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja.
According to Hundeyin, Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was apprehended to ensure that justice applies equally to everyone involved in the incident.
He said, “If we proceed to charge some people to court and leave out the person who led them into committing that act, their leader, the elite protester who took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair.
“And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
The police spokesman further clarified that Sowore’s detention would not exceed the legal time limit, adding that he would be arraigned in court the same day.
“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we finalise the charges, he’ll be prosecuted immediately. In fact, if all goes as planned, he’ll be taken to court today,” Hundeyin stated.
Earlier, Politics Nigeria reported that Sowore was arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after meeting with Nnamdi Kanu during his ongoing terrorism trial.