By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Nigeria Police Force has explained why it arrested human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja on Thursday.
The police said Sowore’s arrest was linked to his alleged violation of a court order barring the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which he reportedly led in Abuja on Monday.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the arrest, said Sowore was picked up as a prime suspect after some protesters earlier arrested by the police identified him as their leader.
Hundeyin disclosed that a total of 14 persons had so far been arrested in connection with the protest.
“He was arrested in contravention of a valid court order. We cannot charge others and leave out the person who led them to violate the order,” Hundeyin said.
The police spokesman added that Sowore would be charged to court without delay.
“In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore will face prosecution just like the others. He won’t spend long with us; in fact, we hope to arraign him in court today once the charges are ready,” Hundeyin stated.
Sowore, who was said to have fled the protest ground when security operatives swooped on the demonstrators on Monday, was later apprehended at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja.