Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, has sparked outrage among rights advocates, who described the action as an attempt to intimidate dissenting voices and undermine the country’s judicial system.
The development was made public by Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who took to the social media platform X to condemn what he called a “shameful abuse of power” by the police and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Effiong wrote:
“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”
Before his arrest, Sowore had posted on Facebook that he was at the Federal High Court to meet with Kanu Agabi (SAN), the lead counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Sowore, Agabi informed him that his legal team had decided to withdraw from Kanu’s ongoing trial, leaving the separatist leader without legal representation for the moment.
The development reportedly caused tension within the courtroom before police officers swooped in to take Sowore into custody.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for his arrest remains unclear, and police authorities have not issued an official statement.
However, sources close to the activist believe the move may be connected to his outspoken criticism of government policies and his continued advocacy for democratic reforms.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and longtime advocate for social justice, has been arrested multiple times in the past for his activism.
His most notable detention came in 2019 after organizing the “RevolutionNow” protests against bad governance in Nigeria.
Several civil society groups and human rights organizations have already called for his immediate release, insisting that his arrest at a court premises — a symbol of justice — represents a dangerous assault on the rule of law.
This latest development adds to growing concerns about shrinking civic space and the government’s tolerance for criticism under President Tinubu’s administration.