At the Federal High Court in Abuja, human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been arrested by security operatives. Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that Sowore was picked up shortly after appearing in court for a yet-to-be-disclosed matter.
According to accounts gathered from bystanders and court attendees, the arrest was carried out by men suspected to be officers of the Nigeria Police Force, believed to be attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Following the arrest, Sowore was reportedly taken to the IRT facility in Asokoro, Abuja, amidst resistance from some of his supporters and associates who were present at the court premises.
Witnesses described the scene as tense, as security agents whisked him away in a waiting vehicle. Several lawyers and journalists at the court expressed concern over the manner in which the activist was arrested, describing it as “a clear violation of his constitutional rights.”
It was further gathered that IRT officials allegedly denied Sowore’s lawyers access to him upon arrival at their office, a development that has sparked outrage among civil rights advocates and members of the legal community.
A source close to Sowore told Naija Reality News that his legal team is making frantic efforts to secure his release and demand an explanation from the authorities. “They took him without any formal charge or warrant made known to us. We are doing everything possible to ensure his safety and secure his freedom,” the source said.
This latest arrest marks yet another chapter in the series of confrontations between Sowore and Nigerian security agencies. The outspoken activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters has been a consistent critic of government policies, often leading protests and campaigns calling for accountability, good governance, and respect for human rights.
Recall that Sowore had previously been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2019 following the #RevolutionNow protests and was released after months of legal battle. His continued activism has made him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s civic and political space, as well as a recurring target of state clampdowns.
As of press time, the police authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the reason for Sowore’s arrest or the charges against him. However, civil society organizations and human rights defenders are already mobilizing for his immediate release, warning that any attempt to silence dissent through intimidation and arrest would be resisted.
More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
— Naija Reality News Correspondent, Abuja
