Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force has explained that the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, was part of efforts to ensure fairness in the investigation and prosecution of those involved in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
The development was made public in Abuja on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists.
Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested to ensure equal application of justice to all involved, according to police.
Hundeyin said, “If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and 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 said Sowore’s detention would not exceed necessary legal limits and he is set to be arraigned today.
He said, “Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today.”
Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after he appeared in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore has been at the forefront of campaigns calling for Kanu’s release from detention and had, on Monday, led a protest in Abuja demanding his freedom.
Several netizens, especially those from Southeast Nigeria, have knocked the police for failing to arrest Sowore who led the Monday morning protest despite arresting and prosecuting Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor.
