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- ✨ Sowore Arrested Again — What Really Happened
✨ Sowore Arrested Again — What Really Happened
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In today’s issue, we take a closer look at the arrest of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore — the man behind Sahara Reporters — and the controversy surrounding his detention outside the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The headline came suddenly, and it caught many off guard — Sowore arrested again.
Not for the first time, and perhaps not for the last.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Sowore arrived at the Federal High Court for a case involving an alleged forgery — one he had earlier described as baseless. But before the hearing could begin, police officers approached and arrested him. The scene unfolded in front of lawyers, journalists, and supporters who had gathered for the day’s session.
According to reports, the officers said they were acting on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
Later that day, the police released an official statement explaining the move. They said Sowore’s arrest was connected to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, where he was allegedly seen leading demonstrators into a restricted area despite a standing court order.
Police spokespersons added that since 13 people had already been arrested over the same protest, it would not be fair to exclude Sowore if evidence linked him to the event. They described the arrest as “a matter of fairness and due process.”
However, the timing and location of the arrest raised questions. Being picked up near a courtroom — a place many view as a symbol of justice — drew mixed reactions across the country.
Some saw it as a legitimate legal process taking its course, while others felt it sent the wrong signal about how dissent and protest are handled in Nigeria.
Political figures, including former vice president Atiku Abubakar, publicly criticized the arrest, describing it as unnecessary and capable of undermining democratic freedoms. Meanwhile, others argued that no one should be above the law — that if there’s an active investigation or pending allegation, it must be addressed through proper legal channels.
This isn’t the first time Sowore’s activism has brought him into conflict with authorities. Back in 2019, his #RevolutionNow campaign led to his detention on charges of treason and conspiracy. Over the years, he’s become known for challenging government institutions and pushing for reforms, earning both strong supporters and vocal critics.
The latest incident adds another layer to that ongoing story — one that continues to test Nigeria’s balance between free speech, activism, and the rule of law.
While his legal team insists on transparency and fairness, the police maintain that their actions followed due process.
At this point, the key question is whether the courts will uphold that same standard — ensuring that justice, whichever way it leans, is based on evidence and procedure, not emotion or politics.
💬 Final thought:
Sowore’s case isn’t just about one man. It’s a reflection of how Nigeria continues to wrestle with the fine line between activism and authority, freedom and order.