jonadabugochukwu@gmail.comIn a shocking twist at the Federal High Court in Abuja, armed policemen reportedly arrested activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore shortly after he appeared in solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses and multiple credible media outlets, including Channels TV, Vanguard, and Leadership Newspaper, confirmed that Sowore was taken into custody within the court premises on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The incident has since stirred tension among supporters, activists, and journalists covering the high-profile trial.
The Scene at the Federal High Court, Abuja
According to reports gathered by DocuNews Central, Sowore had arrived at the court to show support for Nnamdi Kanu, whose legal battles with the federal government have drawn widespread attention.
Eyewitnesses said that as soon as proceedings ended, several armed policemen approached Sowore and requested that he accompany them to the police station. Initially, it appeared to be a routine conversation. However, the situation quickly escalated as he was escorted toward a waiting police vehicle and whisked away under tight security.
Sources close to the activist stated that Sowore was not given clear information about the reason for his detention at that moment. The arrest drew immediate criticism from onlookers who saw it as another act of intimidation against civil rights advocates in Nigeria.
Background: Sowore’s Activism and His Connection to Nnamdi Kanu
Omoyele Sowore, a journalist, publisher of Sahara Reporters, and a human rights activist, has been a consistent voice against government oppression. He has also been a visible supporter of causes related to justice and human rights — including Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Sowore’s presence at the Abuja Federal High Court was not unusual. Over the years, he has attended numerous court hearings involving political detainees, human rights activists, and journalists. His attendance at Kanu’s court session, however, drew notable attention because of the heightened security and political sensitivity surrounding IPOB’s leader.
Observers believe the police action could be linked to Sowore’s outspoken advocacy for Kanu’s release and his participation in peaceful demonstrations demanding freedom for the IPOB leader.
Police Reaction and Official Response
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) confirmed that Sowore was indeed taken into custody, but they declined to provide specific details about the reason. A senior police officer, speaking to Channels TV, stated that the action followed “an order from above,” referencing a directive reportedly issued by the FCT Police Commissioner.
Another source told Leadership Newspaper that Sowore’s arrest was connected to “security intelligence” suggesting he intended to address journalists outside the court. The police claimed that such actions could incite unrest, especially given the ongoing tension surrounding Kanu’s case.
Despite these explanations, many Nigerians view the move as politically motivated. Civil rights groups and legal observers have since demanded Sowore’s immediate release, calling the arrest unconstitutional and unnecessary.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere outside the Federal High Court as tense. Supporters of both Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu reportedly chanted slogans condemning the government’s continuous crackdown on activists.
According to one witness who spoke to DocuNews Central, “Sowore did nothing wrong. He came here peacefully to observe the court proceedings like any other Nigerian. Suddenly, police officers surrounded him and took him away.”
Videos circulating on social media show police officers escorting Sowore to a white Hilux van. Several activists and journalists nearby can be heard protesting the arrest. The video clips quickly went viral, triggering outrage among Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Human rights lawyers also condemned the arrest, describing it as another instance of Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. One lawyer wrote, “You cannot arrest someone simply for showing support to another citizen in court. It’s a violation of his constitutional rights.”
What Led to the Arrest?
While official reasons remain vague, sources close to the police claim that Sowore’s name had been on a “watch list” following his recent activism. The arrest was reportedly ordered because of intelligence suggesting that he planned to address the press within the court premises.
However, DocuNews Central could not independently verify this claim, as the police have yet to issue a detailed public statement or charge.
This lack of transparency has only fueled more speculation and public distrust. Many Nigerians see the arrest as an attempt to silence critics of the federal government and suppress free expression.
Reactions from Civil Rights Organizations
Several civil society organizations and human rights groups have spoken against the arrest.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called for Sowore’s immediate release, emphasizing that peaceful assembly and free speech are constitutionally protected rights.
Amnesty International Nigeria also criticized the government, saying, “This continued harassment of activists and journalists sends a dangerous message about freedom of expression in Nigeria.”
Even political figures weighed in. A spokesperson from the African Action Congress (AAC), the party under which Sowore contested the 2023 presidential election, called the arrest “a desperate act of suppression.”
Nnamdi Kanu’s Court Case: The Bigger Picture
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB movement, has been in detention for several years. His case has drawn local and international concern, particularly regarding human rights violations, due process, and political persecution.
Kanu’s legal team continues to demand his unconditional release, arguing that the Nigerian government has ignored several court rulings that ordered his discharge.
Observers believe Sowore’s arrest during Kanu’s trial is a symbolic act — one that highlights the broader issues of repression and lack of respect for civil liberties in Nigeria.
Public Outrage and Online Reactions
Immediately after the news broke, social media platforms exploded with reactions. Nigerians used hashtags like #FreeSowore and #FreeNnamdiKanu to express their frustration.
Many activists accused the government of weaponizing the police against dissenters. Others argued that such arrests only strengthen the resolve of civil society.
One Twitter user wrote, “You can arrest Sowore, but you can’t arrest the truth.” Another commented, “Why is it a crime to stand for justice in Nigeria?”
The arrest has once again placed Nigeria in the global spotlight, especially among international observers concerned about the country’s democratic image.
Sowore’s Past Arrests and Ongoing Struggles
This is not the first time Sowore has been detained by Nigerian authorities. In 2019, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the #RevolutionNow protests. He spent several months in custody despite multiple court orders for his release.
Throughout his activism career, Sowore has been an advocate for democracy, social justice, and freedom of expression. His media platform, Sahara Reporters, is known for exposing corruption and government misconduct.
Growing Concerns Over Civic Freedom
Sowore’s latest arrest raises fresh questions about Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and civil rights. Critics argue that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, dissent is increasingly being treated as a crime.
Activists point to recent incidents — such as the harassment of journalists, protest bans, and censorship of online speech — as evidence of shrinking democratic space.
A coalition of civic groups urged the government to “respect the rule of law and stop using security agencies to intimidate citizens.”
DocuNews Central’s Independent Findings
Independent checks by DocuNews Central confirmed that Sowore was not charged in court as of the time of publication. However, efforts to reach the FCT Police Command spokesperson for comments were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Sowore’s supporters vowed to continue protesting until he is released. His lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong, also confirmed on social media that he was “in touch with the authorities” and demanded an immediate explanation.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
Sowore’s arrest after showing solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy. It reflects the uneasy balance between authority and freedom — between national security and civil liberty.
At the heart of this issue lies a simple truth: democracy cannot thrive where citizens live in fear of expressing their opinions or showing support for others facing injustice.
As Nigerians continue to demand transparency, the government must demonstrate its commitment to human rights by allowing freedom of assembly, speech, and belief.
Until then, activists like Sowore will remain symbols of resistance and courage in the face of oppression.
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