Human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, and convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by security operatives in Abuja, adding another twist to the ongoing political tensions surrounding the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore was reportedly apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after he was seen exchanging greetings and brief pleasantries with Nnamdi Kanu within the court premises during the resumed session of Kanu’s terrorism trial.
Arrest Linked to Recent Protest
His arrest is believed to be connected to the recently concluded #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja. The protest, which Sowore helped organize, was aimed at demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and drew a large turnout of supporters, including activists, lawyers, and concerned citizens.
During the protest, security operatives had deployed teargas to disperse the demonstrators, and several participants were arrested. The chaotic scenes saw some activists sustaining minor injuries, while others were forcefully detained. Notable among those arrested were Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s legal representatives, Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and approximately 11 other activists.
Sowore Escaped Initial Arrest But Later Apprehended
Although Sowore narrowly avoided being detained during the earlier protest due to the confusion caused by security forces’ teargas and crowd dispersal tactics, he was later sighted at the Federal High Court today. Witnesses reported that he was moving within the court premises when he interacted briefly with Kanu. It was immediately after this encounter that security operatives moved in to arrest him, demonstrating the government’s heightened sensitivity to any perceived support for the IPOB leader.
Background on Sowore
Omoyele Sowore is widely known as the founder and publisher of Sahara Reporters, an investigative news platform that often highlights government corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria. He has consistently advocated for political freedom, transparency, and social justice, frequently putting him at odds with security agencies and government authorities.
Sowore’s latest arrest adds to a series of confrontations between pro-democracy activists and Nigerian security forces. His detention has sparked concern among civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and members of the public, who continue to call for due process and respect for citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
Public Reaction
Social media users quickly reacted to the news of Sowore’s arrest, expressing outrage, concern, and solidarity with the activist. Many highlighted the significance of his role in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement and questioned the actions of security operatives in arresting a known pro-democracy campaigner within the precincts of a court.
Some Nigerians called for immediate clarification on the legal basis for Sowore’s arrest, emphasizing that it raises serious questions about freedom of speech, peaceful protest, and judicial independence in the country. Others noted that this incident reflects ongoing tensions between government authorities and outspoken critics advocating for human rights and social justice.
Video Evidence
Footage from the scene shows Sowore being taken into custody immediately after his brief interaction with Nnamdi Kanu, with onlookers documenting the arrest and sharing updates on social media platforms. The video has gone viral, further amplifying the debate about the government’s handling of dissenting voices and activists in Nigeria.
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