The Nigeria Police Force has explained that the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, was to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
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He said Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested to ensure that justice is evenly applied to everyone involved.
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 stated that Sowore would not be detained beyond necessary legal limits and would 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.