The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that the detention of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was aimed at maintaining fairness in the legal proceedings against participants of Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, made the clarification on Thursday while speaking with journalists in the nation’s capital.
Hundeyin explained that Sowore, who allegedly led demonstrators into a restricted area during a rally supporting the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was taken into custody to ensure equal treatment under the law.
"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," he said.
The police spokesman assured that Sowore’s detention would be brief and within legal limits.
"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," Hundeyin said.
According to reports, Sowore was arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after attending proceedings in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.
The activist has been prominent in campaigns demanding Kanu’s release and led Monday’s protest calling for his freedom.
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