Nigerian police have arrested activist and politician Omoyele Sowore for organizing and leading a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore was arrested on Thursday in Abuja by armed security officers who suddenly appeared and took him away to an undisclosed location.
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Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju confirmed the arrest, saying, “Yes, Sowore has been arrested by the police.”
Although the exact reason for his arrest has not been officially stated, some officers said it was connected to his role in continuing public protests that were causing tension.
Earlier that Thursday, Sowore led a demonstration calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Security operatives later dispersed the protesters.
After the protest ended, security agents also arrested Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer.