By : Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
BREAKING: Sowore Arrested in Abuja Court After Appearance for Nnamdi Kanu
Tension gripped the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, after Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was dramatically arrested by armed policemen shortly after making an appearance in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been a vocal advocate for Kanu’s release, was seen interacting with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when a group of heavily armed police officers surrounded him. Witnesses said the officers, numbering about ten, moved swiftly to apprehend him before escorting him into a waiting police van.
According to eyewitness accounts, the atmosphere at the court premises immediately turned tense, with chants of “Free Sowore!” and “Justice for Kanu!” echoing through the compound. Journalists and lawyers scrambled for safety as the armed officers tried to disperse the gathering.
When questioned about the reasons for his arrest, one of the police officers stated plainly that they were acting on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
“The Commissioner of Police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer reportedly told Sowore, who appeared calm but visibly displeased by the development.
Sowore, in response, queried why there was no formal letter of invitation or warrant for his arrest. “You can’t just pick me up without due process,” he told the officers. He further insisted that his lawyer must accompany him to the police command as a condition for complying with their request.
Despite his protest, Sowore was escorted into the police vehicle and driven out of the court premises amid a heavy security presence. His arrest drew strong reactions from human rights observers and political commentators, many of whom described it as a “targeted intimidation” of dissenting voices in Nigeria’s democracy.
The activist’s detention comes just three days after he played a prominent role in organizing a protest demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release. The protest, held on Monday, October 20, saw hundreds of supporters gather in Abuja and parts of the South-East under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement.
During the protest, police arrested 12 participants, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor. The detainees were later arraigned before a magistrate court and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further investigation.
Sowore, a consistent critic of the Nigerian government and publisher of the online news outlet Sahara Reporters, has faced several confrontations with authorities over his activism. He was previously detained in 2019 after leading the #RevolutionNow protest against what he described as bad governance and systemic corruption in Nigeria.
Reacting to the latest development, several civil society organizations have condemned his arrest. The Coalition for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR) issued a statement describing the police action as “a blatant abuse of power and an assault on constitutional rights.”
“Omoyele Sowore’s arrest at the Federal High Court is a dangerous signal that the Nigerian state continues to criminalize peaceful dissent,” the statement read. “It is particularly disturbing that he was picked up in a court precinct—a place that symbolizes justice and the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, supporters of both Sowore and Kanu have called for his immediate release, warning that the government’s actions could further inflame tensions.
As of press time, neither the Federal Capital Territory Police Command nor the office of the Commissioner of Police had issued an official statement regarding the reasons for Sowore’s arrest.
The incident underscores the increasing friction between the Nigerian state and prominent activists who challenge government policies, especially on sensitive issues such as the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
For many observers, Thursday’s arrest is yet another test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
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