Amnesty Kicks, Police Explain Sowore’s Arrest, Handcuff
Amnesty International has kicked as the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained why the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police Command arrested 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, inside the premises of the Federal High Court Abuja today October 23.
POLICE SPOKESMAN SAYS
While speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Hundeyin said Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja in defiance of a subsisting court order. He said the activist would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward.
The thirteen people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order”.
He added that it would be unjust to prosecute those earlier arrested while leaving out the person alleged to have led them.
According to him, eight persons that participated in the Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest were arrested on Monday in front of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja while five others were picked up around the Ministry of Finance, bringing the total number of suspects to thirteen.
“They were arraigned the very next day and did not spend up to 24 hours in our custody,” Hundeyin said, adding that Sowore would also be arraigned soon.
The police spokesman stressed that the protest breached the restriction order issued to maintain public order within parts of the capital.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SAYS
Amnesty International strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of human rights defender Omoyele Sowore today. This came days after the unlawful arrest of lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu. Both of them were involved in the peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Once again, Nigerian authorities have displayed utter disregard for human rights and a longstanding demonization of peaceful assembly.
The authorities must release the trio immediately and unconditionally. President Bola Tinubu government’s utter disdain for the rule of law must end.
The authorities must stop using the security agents and judiciary as a tool for persecuting people who voice dissenting opinions, challenge abuse and call for accountability.
