Tension flared at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday as human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was dramatically arrested by police officers shortly after attending proceedings in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
Sowore, who had earlier led the FreeNnamdiKanuProtest in the capital, reportedly escaped the initial police clampdown when security operatives rounded up several protesters.
Thirteen of them including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, were later confirmed arrested and subsequently reprimanded in the Kuje prison.
Defiant as ever, Sowore ignored police warnings that protesters should stay away from restricted parts of the city, insisting it was his constitutional right to demonstrate.
Sowore had earlier been seen inside the courtroom earlier in the day, where he met with Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN)
“Today, I met with Kanu Agabi, the lead lawyer for Kanu Nnandi, at the Federal High Court, and he disclosed that his team will be withdrawing from the case, leaving Nnamdi Kanu to continue his trial without representation. He was sure that it was completely political,” Sowore had posted before his arrest.
Moments later, as he stepped out of the court, police operatives accosted him and demanded he follow them to the station. After a brief back-and-forth, the fiery activist went with them.
An associate of Sowore told Daily Trust that the arrest was puzzling, as the FCT Commissioner of Police had already invited him for a meeting.
“He was going to honour their invitation. It was in the itinerary. I wonder why they were so much in a hurry,” the associate said.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with officers surrounding the activist as he was led away.
