The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore on Thursday, following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists in Abuja, said Sowore’s arrest was necessary to ensure fairness in the prosecution of those involved in Monday’s protest.

According to him, the decision was taken in the spirit of justice and accountability, as Sowore allegedly led demonstrators into a restricted area during the protest.

“If we move from there to charge some people to court and leave the person who led them to commit that act, more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and took them into the restricted area, that would not be fair,” Hundeyin said.

He added that Sowore’s arrest was not politically motivated but aimed at maintaining due process in law enforcement.

Hundeyin further assured that the activist would not be detained beyond the period permitted by law.

“Like the others, he wouldn’t spend time with us. He wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us. Once we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today,” he stated.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, held on Monday in Abuja, called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Several protesters were earlier arrested during the demonstration.