Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison. Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.” The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances. His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021. On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions. Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest. His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Omoyele Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Released After Four Days in Kuje Prison. According to a report by Channels TV, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, representing Nnamdi Kanu, have been released from Kuje Prison after four days in detention. Their detention followed their appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court last week in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory. On Friday, the court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted bail to Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and ten others. The defendants had been charged with unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. Each was granted N500,000 bail, required two sureties residing in the FCT, valid identification, a three-year tax clearance, and the surrender of their passports. Following their release on Monday, Ejimakor described the detention experience as “traumatic and inhumane,” criticizing the police for the excessive use of force during and after the protest. He noted that officers deployed tear gas directly at protesters and engaged in aggressive conduct even after control had been established. Ejimakor clarified that the protest targeted the presidency and the perceived unjust prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than the judiciary. He argued that any withdrawal of the case by the presidency or attorney general would leave the court with no basis to proceed.

We Want To Warn Sowore & His Group To Stay Away From Lagos Or Face The Full Weight Of The Law–Police. The Lagos State Police Command has cautioned activist and political campaigner Omoyele Sowore, along with his supporters, against holding any form of protest in the state over the recent demolition of buildings in the Oworonshoki area. The command described any attempt to mobilize demonstrations as a direct threat to public peace and warned that such actions would be met with firm resistance. According to a report by Daily Post on Monday, October 27, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued the warning while addressing journalists at Iyana-Oworo, near the Third Mainland Bridge one of Lagos’s busiest transport corridors. Jimoh said intelligence reports received by the command indicated that certain groups were planning to stage demonstrations to protest the state government’s demolition exercise in Oworonshoki. The police chief stressed that the command would not tolerate any public gathering that could obstruct traffic, disrupt daily activities, or escalate into violence. “We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh declared. “No individual or group will be allowed to endanger public safety or disrupt the peace we are working hard to maintain.” The commissioner announced that the command had already deployed a significant number of officers to strategic locations across the city, including Ojota, Maryland, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate, as part of a proactive effort to forestall any unauthorized protest. He emphasized that the Third Mainland Bridge, a critical national infrastructure linking the Lagos mainland to the island, would be heavily guarded to prevent any attempt to occupy or block it.

Human rights lawyer, Temitope Temokun, has recounted how over ten police officers ‘forcefully whisked’ away activist Omoyele Sowore from the Kuje Magistrate Court premises on Friday. https://youtu.be/_JSA51LHNZQ?si=qtkY3whCbxptvvB6

Reactions As Dele Farotimi Warns Egbetokun: Nothing Must Happen To Yele, He Went To Custody Healthy. Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has stirred widespread reactions on social media following a post shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 25, 2025. In the strongly worded message, Farotimi expressed concern over the detention of activist Omoyele Sowore, warning authorities against any harm coming to him while in custody. He wrote, “Let me be clear… nothing must happen to Yele. He went into custody healthy, a victim of an intolerant fascist state, and absolutely nothing must happen to him. Egbetokun! You have been warned.” His post quickly drew attention from users who echoed his fears about rising political repression and the shrinking space for dissenting voices in the country. One user reacted by calling out the silence of elder statesmen, saying, “This is the right time for Prof Wole Soyinka to talk about fascist, but it’s very unfortunate that he has lost his voice.” Another comment reinforced Farotimi’s warning to the police chief, stating, “Egbetokun! You have been seriously warned. Nothing unpleasant must happen to Yele.” A different user lamented the nation’s current state, writing, “Yes o, we’re fast drifting into a police state, a failed one.”

Sowore Back in police Custody After Fresh Arrest at Federal High Court. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been rearrested by police operatives shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. Sowore, who is the convener of the movement, had attended court proceedings relating to the protest held earlier in the week when officers reportedly moved in to detain him. According to eyewitnesses, the activist was accosted moments after stepping out of the courtroom, sparking mild tension within the court premises. Police authorities later confirmed the arrest, alleging that Sowore violated a subsisting court order prohibiting the said protest. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was being held for leading the demonstration despite being aware of the restriction. “He was arrested for violating a court order. Others arrested earlier in connection with the protest confirmed that he led them to the venue,” Hundeyin stated. The police said 14 other persons connected to the protest were also in custody and would soon be arraigned. Sowore, who briefly attempted to resist arrest, was later taken away by armed operatives amid chants of solidarity from supporters present at the court. The development has drawn reactions from activists and civic groups who described the arrest as another attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail. A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja. While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial. The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu. Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system. Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers. The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court. Condemning the development, 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.” Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him. Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices. Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration. He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja. Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release. The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators. Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23. Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law. He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views. He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals. The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest. “He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said. The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day. Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Senator Atiku Abubakar speaks on the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding his release and the immediate freedom of all protesters detained during and after the protest

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja. Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja. Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday. According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting. A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police. Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle. Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria. Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

BREAKING: Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja | Sahara Reporters

Reveals Why Nigerian Government Doesn’t Want Nnamdi Kanu Out Alive. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that the Nigerian government does not want Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to come out of detention alive. In a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sowore claimed that Kanu remains detained because “they know the lies sustaining their power will collapse once Mazi Nnamdi Kanu walks out as a free man.” According to him, the authorities “do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu freed alive, and they are united in that mission. Ever since they realised their web of deceit was beginning to unravel, they have gone into overdrive.” The activist added that the government is afraid of Kanu’s release because it would expose “their fraud, greed, backstabbing, and betrayal of justice,” insisting that “the people’s eyes have opened, and fake political careers built on deceit, destruction, and the oppression of the masses will not survive the truth.” Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his rearrest over allegations of terrorism and treason linked to his involvement in the separatist movement. Earlier this week, Sowore led a major protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for Kanu’s immediate release. Several protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer and brother, were reportedly arrested and remanded in Kuje Prison.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs. Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial. This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release. Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025. He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act. He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.” Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release.  They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest. The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release. But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT. The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized. While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads. Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested. In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

Police Deny Shooting Sowore, Others During Protest In Abuja. The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired. He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound. Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations. “I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition. “It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot. “We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said. The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja. Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack. “There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said. “Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us. Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added. He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds. The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas. Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd. Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Sowore resumes #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest In Abuja after Police Attacks. Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday resumed the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, hours after police operatives violently dispersed an earlier demonstration at the Transcorp Hilton and Maitama areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sowore, joined by clergymen, civil society activists, and members of pro-democracy groups, returned to the streets in defiance of what he described as “a brutal and unlawful attempt to silence peaceful citizens.” The protesters, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, marched through parts of the Central Business District and Eagle Square, demanding the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Earlier in the day, the protest had turned chaotic when heavily armed police officers fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters and Transcorp Hilton. Videos from the scene showed people running in panic as gunfire echoed through the streets. Despite the chaos, Sowore and several protesters regrouped later in the afternoon, vowing not to be intimidated. Addressing reporters, the activist condemned the police for what he called “an assault on democracy and a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.”

Nnamdi Kanu: Umuahia locked down as shops, schools, banks close. Abia State capital on Monday was totally locked down as residents decided to withdraw from their daily businesses and operations in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu march being championed by rights activist Omoleye Sowore. The roads were virtually empty except for the occasional movement of tricycles and a few vehicles. Economic and commercial activities were totally paralysed as shops, markets, banks, petrol stations, motor parks did not open for business. Similarly, schools, both private and public, did not open for studies. It was gathered that some of the schools had, over the weekend, sent messages to parents asking them not to bring their children and wards to school on Monday because of the #FreeKanu protest. A convoy of joint security patrol vans was sighted along Uwakala Road, probably monitoring the situation. Traders at the popular Isigate market did not show up for business, as their wares and tables were all covered. Most of the major streets, including Post Office/Abia Tower Junction, FMC/Bank Road Junction, and Umuahia, visited by our correspondent, were a ghost of themselves.