The Nigerian Police Force confirmed the arrest of 2023 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, stating he was taken into custody for leading protesters into a restricted zone, thereby defying a subsisting court order.
The Nigerian Police Force has explained its rationale behind the recent arrest of African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, confirming he will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated Sowore was arrested for allegedly leading demonstrators into a restricted area, a move that violated an existing court order aimed at maintaining public order.
Hundeyin confirmed the arrest was necessary after 13 other suspects previously detained named Sowore as the leader of the action. He stressed that prosecuting the followers while neglecting the alleged leader would be unjust.
The police spokesman said: “Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward.”
Hundeyin added that “The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area,in clear contravention of the court order.”
Eight people were initially arrested on Monday near Transcorp Hilton, with five more picked up by the Ministry of Finance. All 13 were arraigned within 24 hours, and Sowore will also be arraigned soon, according to the FPRO.