Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, got into a fight with the Nigerian Police Force at the Federal High Court in Abuja while being arrested, as captured in a video that has gone viral online.
According to reports, Sowore was arrested on the court grounds on Thursday while there to meet with Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.
In the widely shared video, Sowore insisted on having his attorney accompany him when he was removed from the court by agents.
In the video, the officers could be heard stating that the Commissioner of Police “said we should bring you to the office” but that the activist was not being detained.
But Sowore wondered why there had been no letter of invitation.
Saying, “You said the Commissioner of Police said you should arrest me by force?,” he demanded that his attorney be permitted to go with him to the Commissioner’s office. You failed to bring an invitation letter. I must accompany you with my attorney. You understand that we must defend you when they oppress you, but since you support oppression, there is no issue.
After granting Sowore’s plea, the police departed the court grounds and headed to the Commissioner’s office.
