On October 23, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed the media in Abuja to clarify the reasons behind the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). Sowore was apprehended within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, an action that has sparked significant public interest and debate. According to Hundeyin, Sowore’s arrest stemmed from his alleged involvement in leading a group of protesters into a restricted area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), an act that violated a standing court order aimed at maintaining public order in the capital city.
Hundeyin provided a detailed account of the events leading to Sowore’s detention. He explained that the activist was taken into custody after being identified by thirteen other individuals, previously arrested, as the leader of their protest activities. These individuals were apprehended in two separate incidents earlier in the week. On Monday, eight protesters were detained in front of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, while an additional five were arrested near the Ministry of Finance. The total number of suspects, excluding Sowore, amounted to thirteen. Hundeyin emphasized that these individuals were promptly arraigned in court the following day, spending less than 24 hours in police custody. He assured the public that Sowore would similarly face arraignment once the ongoing investigations into his actions are concluded.
The police spokesperson underscored the importance of consistency in enforcing the law. He argued that it would be unjust to prosecute the thirteen individuals who participated in the protest while allowing the alleged leader, Sowore, to evade accountability. “The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order,” Hundeyin stated. This violation, he noted, was the primary reason for Sowore’s arrest. The court order in question was issued to restrict protests in certain parts of Abuja to ensure public safety and order, particularly in sensitive areas like the Federal High Court and other key government locations.
The protests in question were reportedly in support of Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent figure whose detention has been a subject of public controversy. The “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protests, according to Hundeyin, breached the court’s restriction order, prompting swift action from the police. The arrests at Transcorp Hilton and the Ministry of Finance were part of the police’s efforts to enforce compliance with the legal directive and maintain order in the capital. Hundeyin stressed that the Nigeria Police Force was committed to upholding the rule of law without bias, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.
Sowore, a well-known activist and publisher, has been a vocal critic of the government, often using his platform to advocate for political and social change. His arrest has reignited discussions about the balance between the right to protest and the need to maintain public order. Supporters of Sowore argue that his detention is an attempt to suppress dissent and curtail freedom of expression, while others maintain that the police action was justified given the violation of a court order. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of protest regulations in Nigeria, with some questioning the clarity and fairness of such restrictions.
Hundeyin’s remarks reflect the police’s position that their actions were not targeted at Sowore’s activism but rather at his alleged role in defying a legal directive. The spokesperson reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force operates within the framework of the law and that the arrest was a necessary step to ensure justice and fairness. He also hinted at the possibility of additional charges depending on the outcome of the investigations, which are expected to examine the full scope of Sowore’s involvement in the protests.
As the situation unfolds, Sowore’s arrest is likely to remain a focal point of public discourse. The case raises important questions about the enforcement of court orders, the rights of citizens to protest, and the boundaries of activism in Nigeria’s democratic system. For now, the Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that Sowore will be given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against him in court, just as the other suspects were. The arraignment process, according to Hundeyin, will follow due process, ensuring that the activist’s rights are respected while addressing the alleged violation of the law.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various socio-political challenges, including debates over governance, security, and civil liberties. Sowore’s arrest may further fuel these discussions, particularly among those who view his activism as a critical voice in the country’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining law and order, even as it navigates the complexities of managing protests and public demonstrations in a democratic society. The outcome of Sowore’s case, as well as the broader implications for protest rights in Nigeria, will likely be closely watched in the days and weeks ahead.
