On Wednesday, January 29, a group of activists and civil society organizations gathered outside the Federal High Court in Abuja to protest the arrest and cybercrime charges filed against Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), by the Nigerian police.
The protesters, holding placards and chanting anti-government slogans, demanded Sowore’s immediate release. They argued that his only offense was exposing corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian police force.
Outside the court, they displayed signs with messages like #FreeSoworeNow, #FreeAdaramolaNowAnd10Others, #EndPoliceBrutality, and #SackTheIGPNowForUnlawfulDetention. Notable figures supporting the protest included the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Usigwe, and former Senator Shehu Sani.
Mrs. Ene Obi, a well-known civil society leader who joined the demonstration, strongly criticized the police for what she described as an unnecessary and unjust arrest. She also called for the withdrawal of charges against other detained activists, including Adaramola and 10 others arrested during last year’s #EndBadGovernance protests.
Meanwhile, Sowore, who was brought into the courtroom wearing traditional attire, remained in high spirits despite facing serious legal challenges.
