Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the arrest of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, was carried out to ensure fairness in the prosecution of individuals involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He said Sowore, who allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was apprehended to guarantee that justice is evenly applied to all participants.
“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 took them into the restricted area — that would not be fair,” Hundeyin stated.
“And that’s why, in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore
The police spokesman added that Sowore would not be detained beyond the limits prescribed by law and would be arraigned without delay.
“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. 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 prosecuted today. He goes to court today,” Hundeyin added.
Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after he appeared in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.
The activist had on Monday led a protest in the Federal Capital Territory demanding Kanu’s release from detention.