The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, special counsel to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and other demonstrators who were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
The party also urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch an investigation into the arrest and ensure that the officers involved are held accountable for violating the protesters’ fundamental rights.
Sowore, who had earlier been granted bail alongside 13 others, was reportedly re-arrested outside the Kuje Magistrate Court and dragged into a waiting vehicle.
Speaking on Sunday, the Ogun ADC Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, accused the police of abuse of power and described the arrests as a blatant violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
He said it was the legitimate and constitutional right of every Nigerian to stage peaceful protests to express grievances, accusing the police of attempting to suppress democratic expression through intimidation and unlawful arrests.
Soluade wondered why police officers, who are meant to protect citizens and uphold the law, turned against peaceful demonstrators. He called for a transparent investigation into the police’s conduct during the protest.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State views with profound dismay and condemnation the recent arrest and detention of activist Omoyele Sowore, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, alongside other peaceful demonstrators in Abuja,” he said.
He stressed that the right to protest is sacrosanct, noting that it is not a privilege but a constitutionally guaranteed right under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and upheld by court rulings, including All Nigeria Peoples Party v. Inspector-General of Police.
“The right to peaceful assembly and protest is the heartbeat of any democracy,” Soluade said. “We, therefore, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and all others arrested during the peaceful demonstration.”
He described the police action as an abuse of power and a “grievous slap” on citizens’ rights.
“The Inspector-General of Police must conduct a swift and transparent investigation into the actions of officers involved in the brutal dispersal and arrest of protesters. Those found culpable must be held accountable,” he added.
Soluade also decried what he described as “a clear case of double standards,” noting that the same police that protect anti-Kanu demonstrations turn around to suppress pro-Kanu protesters.
“This evident display of political bias undermines the impartiality of the security apparatus and erodes public trust. Law enforcement must be neutral and protect all citizens, irrespective of their political leanings,” he stated.
He further called for an end to the harassment and arbitrary detention of peaceful protesters, insisting that “the unity of Nigeria is best served by respecting dissent, not by suppressing it through intimidation and brute force.”
