The Police have given reasons for the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Sowore was detained for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted zone in Abuja, in violation of an existing court order.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Hundeyin stated that the activist would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
He said, “Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward.
“The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order.”
He further explained that it would be unfair to prosecute those who were earlier arrested without including the person accused of leading them.
Hundeyin disclosed that eight individuals were first apprehended on Monday in front of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, while another five were arrested near the Ministry of Finance, making a total of thirteen suspects.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” Hundeyin added, noting that Sowore would also be arraigned soon.
The police spokesman emphasised that the protest violated the restriction order that had been issued to preserve public order in certain areas of the Federal Capital.
