The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting that fresh charges were filed against activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, following his rearrest in Abuja on Thursday.
Police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified in a statement on Friday that the activist’s arrest was not connected to any new criminal allegations, but rather to his alleged role in violating an existing court order during a recent protest.
“There are no new charges against Mr. Sowore at this time. His rearrest is related to ongoing investigations concerning the breach of a lawful order during a public demonstration,” Adejobi said.
Background to the Rearrest
Sowore, who was earlier granted bail alongside 13 others over a protest case, was reportedly apprehended again within the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Eyewitnesses said he was taken away shortly after concluding court proceedings, sparking outrage among supporters and human rights groups.
The police, however, maintained that the arrest followed due process and was based on credible evidence linking him to the alleged violation of judicial restrictions placed on certain protest activities in the capital city.
Police Explain Their Action
According to Adejobi, the decision to take Sowore back into custody was necessary to ensure that all persons allegedly involved in breaching the court order are treated equally before the law.
“It would be unfair to prosecute the others and leave the person alleged to have coordinated the action untouched,” he added.
He further stated that the police were committed to upholding human rights but would not hesitate to act when court directives are openly disregarded.
No Fresh Case Filed Yet
Contrary to widespread speculation, the police confirmed that no new case file has been opened against Sowore. Instead, his rearrest is part of the continuing investigation into the earlier protest that reportedly took place in a restricted zone of Abuja.
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Adejobi assured that the activist’s legal rights would be respected and that he would be released or charged in line with existing legal provisions once the investigation is concluded.
Reaction
The development has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with civil rights advocates condemning the move as “intimidation,” while others argue that compliance with court orders must be strictly enforced regardless of one’s political or activist status.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and convener of the #RevolutionNow and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movements, has had several confrontations with security agencies over his political activism and protest campaigns.
