- Safiu Kehinde
The Take It Back movement (TIB) has warned the Nigerian Police Force against the detention of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, following his arrest at the Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday.
NPO Reported that the activist was yesterday arrested by operatives attached to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command shortly after meeting with the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
While he had challenged the officers on reason behind his arrest, they only said his arrest was facilitated under the directive of FCT Police Commissioner.
However, Sowore’s arrest had been linked to his organisation of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday.
Reacting to the development, the TIB in a statement issued hours after the Sahara Reporters publisher’s arrest warned the Police Force of any form of detention, harassment, or intimidation of Sowore will be met with nationwide mass action.
The group reiterated citizens right to peaceful protest, stressing that Sowore is not a criminal.
It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the activist, warning that failure to release him will lead to mobilisation of citizens for sustained protests and civil disobedience actions.
The statement read; “We have received credible information that the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has invited our comrade and convener, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly in connection with the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest and other legitimate acts of political expression.
“Sowore has since honored the invitation but is yet to return. We wish to categorically warn that any form of detention, harassment, or intimidation of Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force or any arm of the Tinubu regime will be met with an immediate, nationwide mass action.
“Sowore is not a criminal; he is a renowned human rights activist and a voice of conscience for millions of oppressed Nigerians who continue to suffer under a corrupt and tyrannical system.
“The Tinubu-led regime must understand that this is not 1984, and Nigerians will not sit idly while their rights to dissent and protest are trampled upon.
“The right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed, and no regime, no matter how desperate, can take it away.
“Let it be clearly known: if Sowore is not released immediately and unconditionally, the Take It Back Movement, alongside progressive organizations across the country, will mobilize citizens for sustained protests and civil disobedience actions until he regains his freedom.
“We hold the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, and the Tinubu regime fully responsible for the safety and well-being of Omoyele Sowore.”