Police Justify Sowore’s Arrest Over #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest, Vow Swift Arraignment

“No one is above the law,” says Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin as activist faces prosecution today
The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind Thursday’s arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over his alleged role in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja.

Addressing journalists in the Federal Capital Territory, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore’s arrest was a necessary step to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal treatment in the prosecution of those involved in the demonstration that reportedly breached security protocols around a restricted area.

Hundeyin emphasized that the police could not prosecute some protesters while exempting Sowore, who allegedly led and directed the group into the restricted zone.

> “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,” he explained.

According to the police spokesman, the decision to arrest Sowore was made “in the spirit of fair play and justice,” stressing that no citizen, regardless of social status or political leaning, is above the law.

Hundeyin assured the public that Sowore would not be detained beyond the constitutionally stipulated time, noting that the activist would be arraigned without delay.

> “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.

Sowore’s arrest has since sparked widespread reactions from rights groups, political observers, and supporters who argue that the government is tightening its grip on dissenting voices. However, police authorities maintain that the action is purely legal and procedural, devoid of any political undertone.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which called for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had seen dozens of demonstrators arrested earlier in the week after security operatives dispersed the rally near the Federal High Court in Abuja.

As the nation watches closely, Sowore’s arraignment today is expected to reignite public debate over freedom of assembly, rule of law, and the handling of political activism in Nigeria’s democratic space.