Police ’re-arrest’ Sowore moments after court granted him bail
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police operatives have reportedly re-arrested human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, moments after he was granted bail by a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja on Friday.
The incident occurred shortly after the court approved bail for Sowore and 13 others who had been detained for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
According to Sahara Reporters, police officers led by CSP Ilyasu Barau of the FCT Command’s Anti-Vice Unit allegedly punched and dragged Sowore before forcing him into a waiting van, despite the court’s order for his release.
Eyewitnesses said the officers claimed they were acting on a “secret remand order”, but failed to present any official document when asked.
Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id had earlier granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with additional conditions including verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), submission of passports, and three-year tax clearance certificates.
Those granted bail alongside Sowore include Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 11 others accused of unlawful assembly and public disturbance.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for the re-arrest or the alleged secret remand order.
