Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was re-arrested by police moments after a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja granted him bail on Friday, October 24, 2025. The court had set bail at ₦500,000 with two sureties each, verified NIN, tax clearance, and passport submission. Despite fulfilling the conditions, Sowore was forcefully dragged into a waiting police van by officers, who allegedly claimed to have a secret remand order. The police action has sparked outrage among observers and human rights advocates, who condemn the disregard for judicial authority and due process.
Sowore and 11 others which includes Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu were granted a ₦500,000 bail with two sureties, verified NIN, tax clearance, and passport submission. Police re-arrested Sowore immediately after bail was granted, citing a secret remand order. Police manhandled Sowore, punched him, and dragged him into a waiting van
The arrest has spark Outrage among human rights advocates and observers, condemning disregard for judicial authority and due process
Sowore’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, described the police action as “unconstitutional censorship” and accused the officers of “abducting” his client.
“After the court had freely and honorably granted bail to human rights defender Omoyele Sowore on liberal terms, a detachment of police officers, led by CSP Iliyasu, OC Anti Vice, State Command CID, invaded the court premises in a display of raw impunity and disdain for the rule of law, They descended violently upon Omoyele Sowore and those present and, in the full glare of the public, abducted Sowore and whisked him away. In the course of standing up against this brazen illegality, I and others were physically assaulted; I sustained injuries and my bib was blood-stained in the chaos that ensued.” He said.
The activist is expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 27, on fresh charges related to his comments about President Bola Tinubu.
