The Nigerian Police Force has explained that Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 AAC presidential candidate, was arrested for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja in violation of a court order. He will face charges after investigation, according to the police
Details: Police Explain Why Omoyele Sowore Was Arrested in Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Abuja.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in defiance of a subsisting court order.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Hundeyin said Sowore’s arrest followed credible evidence linking him to a protest that violated judicial restrictions.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward,” Hundeyin stated.
“The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order.”
The police spokesperson added that it would be unjust to prosecute those earlier arrested without including the person alleged to have led them.
According to Hundeyin, eight protesters were first apprehended on Monday in front of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, while five others were picked up near the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total to thirteen.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” he said, adding that Sowore would also be charged once investigations are concluded.
Hundeyin stressed that the protest breached the restriction order issued to maintain public order within specific parts of the capital.
“No one is above the law. While the right to protest is guaranteed, it must be exercised within legal boundaries,” he added.
The development has drawn mixed reactions across social and political circles, with some describing Sowore’s arrest as excessive, while others insist that compliance with court directives remains paramount to sustaining order in the nation’s capital. Read More
