The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, leader of the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest, for allegedly violating a subsisting court order restricting demonstrations in certain parts of Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.
Hundeyin said Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, was arrested after 13 protesters earlier detained by the police identified him as the leader who directed them into restricted areas during the protest.
“It would be unfair to charge those arrested to court and leave out the person who led them,” Hundeyin explained. “In the spirit of fairness and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today. He will not be in custody for more than 24 hours. Once we conclude the charges, he will be prosecuted.”
The police spokesperson added that the 13 protesters, who were arrested between Monday and Tuesday at the Transcorp area and the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, were arraigned in court less than 24 hours after their arrest for violating the court order.
“Despite several warnings not to enter restricted areas, they defied the directive. We made it clear before the protest that anyone who contravened the order would be arrested and prosecuted,” Hundeyin said.
Meanwhile, the police also announced progress in separate gunrunning investigations, with the recovery of several firearms, including seven AK-47 rifles, two AK-49 rifles, five pump-action guns, 15 magazines, over 600 rounds of live ammunition, and other weapons.
Hundeyin disclosed that nine suspects had been arrested in connection with the cases, including one Alhaji Bature Manya, 46, from Okpatta Village, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, who was found in possession of an AK-49 rifle with a magazine.
He added that investigations into the recovered arms and the suspects’ network were ongoing.
