Police arrest Sowore at IPOB hearing

The police have arrested Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the activist said in a Whatsapp message shared with his contacts on Monday.

Mr Sowore was at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Security operatives, comprising the police and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) had taken over the court premises and the adjoining streets, restricting movements in the area ahead of the trial.

Mr Sowore, among many journalists and others, who had hoped to attend the proceedings were denied entry into the court premises.

However, Sowore was released by the police whom he earlier said arrested him at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Sowore, around 10.31 a.m., notified his Whatsapp contacts about his arrest somewhere outside the court premises.

He later shared the news of his release via Whatsapp at about 1.10 p.m. on Monday.

“I have been released,” he said, adding that he had returned to the court to attend the proceedings some “5 young persons illegally detained by the DSS for wearing #BuhariMustGo Tshirts to Dunamis Church. Will keep you all updated. Thank you for your support!”.

Security operatives, comprising the police and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) had taken over the court premises and the adjoining streets, restricting movements in the area ahead of the trial.

Mr Sowore, among many journalists and others, who had hoped to attend the proceedings were denied entry into the court premises.

Mr Sowore has been one of the vocal voices condemning the recent re-arrest and repatriation of Mr Kanu to Nigeria.

He had called for the unconditional release of the leader of the separatist group, who was said to have been controversially arrested in Kenya.

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