Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, was arrested by the Nigerian police at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The arrest occurred shortly after he attended the court session of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The police claim Sowore was arrested to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in Monday’s protest in Abuja, where 13 protesters, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, were detained. Sowore had led the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, demanding Kanu’s unconditional release from custody.
Sowore’s associates say he was planning to honor a police invitation before his arrest, and his lawyer was not allowed to accompany him. Human rights groups condemn the arrest as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
