By Musemil Abubakar
The Nigeria Police Force has defended the arrest of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, saying it was carried out to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said Sowore’s arrest was necessary to uphold the principle of equal justice.
According to Hundeyin, the former presidential candidate allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He explained, “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.”
Hundeyin clarified that Sowore’s detention would be brief and strictly within legal limits.
“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours. Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. If everything goes right, he’ll go to court today,” the spokesman added.
Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after attending proceedings in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, a fierce critic of government policies, had led Monday’s protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release from detention, a move that drew heavy police presence and later arrests.
