Sowore Arrest: Police Explain Reason for Omoyele Sowore’s Detention
Abuja, Oct. 23, 2025 —
The Sowore arrest has drawn national attention after the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was detained for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in defiance of a court order.
Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known during a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, shedding light on the details surrounding the Sowore arrest and related protests.
Hundeyin stated that Sowore’s arrest followed confessions made by 13 protesters earlier detained during the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest. According to him, each of the suspects mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted protest zone in clear violation of judicial directives.
> “It would be unfair to charge some protesters to court and leave out the person who led them to commit the offence,” Hundeyin explained. “In the spirit of justice and fair play, Sowore was arrested today.”
The police spokesperson emphasized that, like the other suspects, Sowore’s detention would be brief. He added that the authorities planned to arraign Sowore within 24 hours as soon as the necessary legal processes were completed.
> “If all goes as planned, Sowore’s arraignment will happen today,” Hundeyin added.
He also confirmed that the 13 protesters previously detained were apprehended for violating a standing court order restricting demonstrations in designated areas of Abuja. Eight were arrested near the Transcorp area, while five others were picked up close to the Ministry of Finance.
Hundeyin reiterated that despite repeated warnings, the protesters went ahead with the demonstration in prohibited zones, prompting swift police intervention and subsequent legal action. The Sowore arrest, he said, was part of ensuring fairness and equal accountability under the law. Visit http://gmtnewsng.com for more news
