Breaking: Sowore Freed After Four Days in Kuje Prison

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore regained freedom from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Monday after spending four days in custody. He was arrested during a protest demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

A magistrate court in Kuje had granted Sowore bail on Friday, setting it at ₦500,000 with strict conditions. Despite the court’s ruling, he was transferred to the correctional facility before completing the bail requirements.

Police authorities defended the decision, saying the remand warrant authorised his transfer and that detention continued legally until all bail conditions were met.

Sowore’s legal team and civil society groups described the detention as illegal, citing unnecessary delays and alleged use of force in moving him to the facility.

Upon his release, Sowore addressed journalists and supporters, reaffirming his commitment to peaceful protest and lawful expression.

The activist must now meet his bail conditions, which include presenting a verified National Identification Number, a three-year tax clearance, and surrendering his passport.

Sowore and several others were arrested last week during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, which called for the release of the IPOB leader currently in detention.