- The Nigeria Police Force explains that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in violation of a court order.
- Police spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the 13 people detained earlier claimed that Sowore led them into the area.
- Hindein added that the activist would be taken to court following an investigation, stressing that the protest violated existing restraining orders.
The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reasons for the arrest of 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday, October 23, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told newsmen in Abuja that Sowore was detained for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in defiance of an existing court order.
Hong Deyin said, “Today, Omoyele Sowore was arrested by the Nigeria Police. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is simple.”
He further explained, “Thirteen people who were previously arrested all mentioned Sowore leading them into restricted areas, in clear breach of court orders.”
A police spokesman said it would be unfair to prosecute those arrested earlier without including the man who allegedly led them.
Hindein recalled that on Monday, eight people involved in the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest were arrested in front of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, while five others were arrested around the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total number of suspects to thirteen.
“They were arraigned the next day and did not spend the 24 hours in our custody,” He noted, adding that Sowore would also be arraigned once the investigation is concluded.
A police spokesman stressed that the protests violated existing restrictions issued to maintain public order in some areas of the capital.
