Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from Kuje Prison, Abuja, after meeting his bail conditions.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:

> “HAPPENING NOW: Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist, along with Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother), and 11 other protesters, was arrested last week by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force during a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

The 14 individuals were arraigned last Friday before a Kuje Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Sai’id, on charges of unlawful assembly and public disturbance.

Magistrate Sai’id granted each defendant bail of ₦500,000, with conditions including:

Submission of a verified National Identification Number (NIN),

Presentation of a three-year tax clearance certificate, and

Deposit of their international passports.


After fulfilling these requirements, Sowore and the other defendants were released on Monday.

Following his release, Sowore criticized the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as an “irresponsible organisation” that routinely disregards the law.

He accused the police of acting beyond their constitutional powers, saying:

> “If a court gives an order and it is violated, the proper step is to return to the same court, not for the police to enforce an order in which it has an interest.”



Sowore also stated that neither he nor the others were ever served with any restraining order prior to their arrest.

> “I can guarantee you that no court order was ever served on us. Even if it was, the courts recognize clear limits when it comes to fundamental human rights,” he said.


Sowore’s arrest and detention had earlier sparked public outrage, with civil groups and political actors calling for his immediate release.