Human rights activist and convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by security operatives in Abuja.
Sowore was reportedly arrested at the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after he was seen exchanging pleasantries with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, within the court premises.
Arrest Follows Recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest
His arrest is believed to be linked to the recently concluded #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration held in the nation’s capital.
The protest, which was organised to demand Kanu’s unconditional release, saw heavy security presence and forceful dispersal by operatives.
During the rally, led by Sowore, protesters were reportedly attacked with teargas and arbitrary arrests were made.
Among those taken into custody were Barrister Aloy Ejimakor (one of Kanu’s lawyers), Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and about 11 other activists.
Sowore Escaped During Protest But Later Apprehended
Although Sowore initially escaped arrest during the protest chaos, witnesses said he narrowly avoided capture after security agents fired teargas to disperse demonstrators.
However, during today’s court sitting, where Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial resumed, Sowore was sighted at the court premises. It was there that security operatives moved in and arrested him shortly after his brief interaction with Kanu.
Background
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters and a known critic of the Nigerian government, has been a consistent advocate for human rights and political freedom.
His latest arrest adds to a growing list of confrontations between activists and security agencies in the country.
Watch the video here…
Sowore has just been arrested right now at the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after he was seen exchanging greetings with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the court premises. https://t.co/aYIudlv5Yb pic.twitter.com/7GO2UZSJha
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 23, 2025