Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, when human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested by security operatives during the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The arrest took place shortly after Kanu appeared in court to continue his terrorism trial.
How the Arrest Happened
According to eyewitnesses present at the court, Sowore was at the venue to observe the proceedings and express solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, whose case has drawn national and international attention. Immediately after the court session ended, armed police officers surrounded Sowore and requested that he accompany them to the FCT Police Command.
Reports indicate that the officers did not present an arrest warrant or official invitation. Sowore, known for his vocal criticism of government repression and corruption, questioned the legality of the arrest and demanded to know the reason behind it. However, the police insisted he follow them to their station. Moments later, he was taken away in a police vehicle under tight security.
Background: Nnamdi Kanu’s Ongoing Trial
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, has been one of Nigeria’s most controversial legal battles in recent years. Kanu faces multiple charges, including alleged terrorism and incitement against the Nigerian state. His group, IPOB, was proscribed in 2017, but Kanu continues to maintain that his campaign is for self-determination and justice for the Igbo people.
At Thursday’s hearing, Kanu’s legal team began his defense after previous adjournments. Supporters and activists gathered outside the court, calling for his release. Sowore’s presence at the trial was viewed as an act of solidarity and support for free speech and fair hearing.
Reasons Behind the Arrest
Although police authorities have not released an official statement detailing the cause of the arrest, sources close to the security agencies claimed that Sowore was being questioned over his alleged involvement in unauthorized protests related to Kanu’s detention. In the days leading up to the trial, several demonstrations were held in Abuja under the #FreeNnamdiKanu and #FreeSowore movements, demanding justice and freedom for political detainees.
Security officials claimed that Sowore violated certain public order directives, but his supporters insist the arrest was politically motivated. They argue that the activist’s continuous criticism of government excesses has made him a target for intimidation.
Sowore’s Legal Challenges and Activism
This arrest adds to a long list of confrontations between Sowore and Nigerian security agencies. The activist has been arrested multiple times since 2019, when he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his call for the “RevolutionNow” protest against bad governance.
Over the years, Sowore has become a symbol of civil resistance, advocating for justice, accountability, and good governance. Through his media platform and political activism, he has consistently challenged corruption, police brutality, and abuse of power. His frequent arrests have drawn condemnation from human rights groups, both locally and internationally, who see him as a victim of state repression.
Lawyers and Civil Rights Groups React
Human rights lawyers immediately condemned the latest arrest, describing it as an assault on democracy and freedom of expression. Members of Sowore’s legal team who were present at the court protested the arrest, insisting that no warrant was issued and no legal justification was provided.
According to eyewitnesses, the lawyers attempted to follow the police convoy but were denied entry into the FCT Command premises. Several civil rights organizations have since called for his immediate release, stating that such actions weaken the rule of law and intimidate journalists.
A spokesperson for one of the groups stated that “arresting an activist inside a court environment is an act of intimidation and contempt for judicial authority. The police must learn to respect due process and human rights.”
Public Reactions and Social Media Outcry
Within hours of the incident, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from Nigerians who expressed anger and disbelief over Sowore’s arrest. Many users accused the government of using state power to suppress dissent. Hashtags like #FreeSowore, #JusticeForKanu, and #EndPoliticalPersecution trended on various platforms, as citizens demanded accountability from the police.
Several prominent figures in Nigeria’s human rights community described the arrest as “a dangerous sign of democratic decline.” Others noted that Sowore’s continuous harassment reflects the growing intolerance for activism and press freedom in the country.
Implications for Democracy and the Rule of Law
Observers say the incident raises fresh questions about Nigeria’s democratic credibility and respect for constitutional rights. The police action inside a court area traditionally regarded as a neutral space sends a worrying signal about the extent of executive interference in judicial matters.
Analysts warn that such arrests could discourage journalists and civil society activists from monitoring high-profile trials or speaking up against injustice. This, they argue, poses a direct threat to transparency and civic engagement.
Furthermore, the timing of the arrest during Kanu’s trial may intensify tensions among IPOB supporters and other regional activists who already feel marginalized by state actions. The potential for civil unrest or renewed protests cannot be ruled out.
Calls for Sowore’s Release
Following the arrest, the Take It Back Movement, a civil organization founded by Sowore, issued a statement demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The group accused the police of abusing their authority and acting on political orders to silence a critic of the government.
Several pro-democracy groups have also threatened nationwide demonstrations if Sowore is not released promptly. They emphasized that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and press independence are non-negotiable in a democratic society.
As of press time, Sowore’s lawyers were making efforts to secure his release on bail and to challenge the legality of his detention in court.
Conclusion
The arrest of Omoyele Sowore during Nnamdi Kanu’s trial has reignited debates about freedom, justice, and democracy in Nigeria. It highlights the tension between state power and citizen activism, as well as the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement conduct.
Many Nigerians believe that the continuous harassment of journalists and activists undermines the very foundation of democracy. As the country awaits further developments, one thing is clear: Sowore’s arrest has once again placed Nigeria’s human rights record under the global spotlight and intensified calls for accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
