Amanze Chinonye
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was re-arrested by the Nigeria Police Force on Friday, just moments after being granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja.
Sowore, alongside 13 others including Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu had earlier been granted bail by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Each defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties resident in the FCT, who must possess valid identification and a three-year tax clearance.
The activists were facing charges of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, stemming from their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held earlier in the week.
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However, shortly after the bail ruling, police operatives reportedly moved in and re-arrested Sowore, sparking confusion within the court premises. Witnesses alleged that the activist was manhandled and forced into a police van by officers attached to the FCT Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (Anti-Vice Unit) led by CSP Ilyasu Barau.
Despite the court’s order granting bail, Sowore was said to have been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre. His legal team and witnesses claimed the police acted without presenting any fresh remand order, insisting that the re-arrest was unlawful.
Sources within the police, however, confirmed that Sowore is being held on a fresh charge, reportedly linked to comments he made describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The activist is expected to be arraigned on Monday, October, according to reports by Channels Television.
The development has reignited debate over police conduct, freedom of expression, and respect for judicial authority in Nigeria. Civil rights advocates condemned the incident as a breach of due process, noting that it mirrors previous episodes in which Sowore was detained after securing bail.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has faced multiple arrests since 2019 over his activism and criticism of government policies.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the grounds for the re-arrest or the details of the new charge.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
