Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been arrested by the Nigeria Police at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The news of his arrest was first shared by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who criticized the action as a violation of Nigeria’s judicial process.

Effiong, in a post on X, condemned the arrest, calling it “preposterous” and accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of making a mockery of the country’s judicial system. He urged the authorities to release Sowore immediately, describing the incident as unnecessary and politically motivated.

Before his arrest, Sowore had made a Facebook post stating that he was at the court alongside Kanu Agabi (SAN), the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to Sowore, Agabi informed him that his team intended to withdraw from representing Kanu, leaving the separatist leader to continue his case without legal representation.

The reason for Sowore’s arrest remains unclear as of press time. However, observers have described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against activists and opposition voices in Nigeria. Many have called for immediate clarification from the authorities and the unconditional release of the activist.

Sowore, who has been a consistent critic of the government, has faced multiple arrests in the past, mostly linked to his pro-democracy activities and protests calling for good governance. His latest detention at the Federal High Court has again drawn public outrage and renewed debates about freedom of speech and human rights under the current administration.