A group of protesters stormed outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, to protest the arrest and cybercrime charges against Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).
Omoyele Sowore was summoned over allegations, including obstruction, disobedience to orders, and cyberstalking. He claimed the case was politically motivated due to his criticism of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension.
After engaging with the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, Sowore was granted bail but insisted he would reject any conditions compromising his dignity. His lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, confirmed he would be arraigned on Wednesday.
Under the #EndBadGovernance movement, protesters accused security forces of intimidation, chanting anti-government slogans and waving placards demanding Sowore’s immediate release. They argued that his only crime was exposing corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian police.
Amid heavy police presence, tensions flared as coalition of activists and civil society organisations decried what they called the authorities’ misplaced priorities.
The protesters, who were seen outside the court, carried signs with messages such as #FreeSoworeNow, #FreeAdaramolaNowAnd10Others, #EndPoliceBrutality, and #SackTheIGPNowForUnlawfulDetention.
Mrs Ene Obi, a prominent civil society leader and protester, strongly condemned the police’s actions, describing the arrest as unnecessary and unjust.
She also called for the withdrawal of charges against other arrested activists, including Adaramola and ten others detained during last year’s #EndBadGovernance protests.
Another protester said: “Police officers are here to intimidate protesters. Meanwhile, Abuja is burning. Look at them gathered here instead of being deployed to crime hotspots. This shows the seriousness of this government and the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. If he were serious, he would send his men to tackle crime, not to harass peaceful demonstrators.”
The demonstrators demanded that Sowore, who remains in detention, be brought before the court immediately or released if no formal charges had been filed against him.
Beyond Sowore’s case, they also called for an end to what they described as the weaponisation of the judiciary against government critics.
Despite a heavy security presence, the protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until their demands were met.
