The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, over his role in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja earlier in the week.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore’s arrest was to ensure fairness and equal treatment in the ongoing prosecution of those involved in Monday’s protest.
“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,” Hundeyin explained.
According to him, the decision to apprehend the activist followed police investigations which linked him to leading demonstrators into a restricted zone during the rally.
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Hundeyin emphasized that Sowore’s arrest was not politically motivated but aimed at upholding the rule of law.
“In the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today,” he said.
The police spokesman further assured that Sowore would not be detained beyond the constitutionally permitted period and would face prosecution promptly.
“Like the others, 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 arraigned today,” Hundeyin added.