The Nigeria Police Force has arrested human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly violating a court order restricting public demonstrations within the Three Arms Zone in Abuja.
Confirming the arrest, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore was apprehended on Thursday morning near the Federal Secretariat while leading a small group of protesters.
Hundeyin explained that the activist’s action contravened an existing court order that prohibits protests or public gatherings around the Three Arms Zone — a high-security area that houses the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court.
According to him, “Mr. Sowore and others were advised against carrying out their planned protest in that location due to security concerns and the subsisting order of the court. Unfortunately, they disregarded the directive, leading to their arrest.”
He added that the police acted within the law and emphasized that citizens are free to exercise their rights to peaceful protest in designated areas that do not threaten national security or public order.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been a vocal critic of government policies and has organized several demonstrations calling for reforms and improved governance.
As of the time of filing this report, Sowore and others arrested alongside him were being held for questioning at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Hundeyin assured that the suspects’ rights would be respected and that investigations were ongoing.
