Police Arrest Sowore as Nnamdi Kanu Defends Self In Court

The police on Thursday arrested human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore, who was at the court to attend the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was reportedly picked up by armed officers shortly after proceedings began.

Eyewitnesses said he was taken away in a police vehicle amid tight security.

Channels Television reports that the arrest took place on Thursday within the court premises, with police officers citing an alleged violation of an order restricting protests within the Three Arms Zone in Abuja. The Force Public Relations Officer later confirmed that Sowore was in police custody and would face appropriate legal action.

In a separate development, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related charges, opened his defence before the Federal High Court after informing the court that he would represent himself.

His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kanu Agabi, had earlier withdrawn from the case following the IPOB leader’s insistence on conducting his own defence.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Kanu challenged the court’s jurisdiction to try him under the current charge, but the presiding judge overruled his objection and ordered him to proceed with his defence. The court fixed October 24 for continuation of the trial.

The high-profile case has continued to lllattract nationwide attention, with both supporters and critics of the separatist leader closely monitoring proceedings.

Meanwhile, security operatives maintained a heavy presence around the court premises to prevent any form of disturbance.

Both developments, the arrest of Sowore and the dramatic turn in Kanu’s trial highlight renewed tensions between activists and security authorities amid ongoing debates about civic rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.