Activist arrested in Abuja over planned protest against ‘police impunity’

Henry Nwodo, an activist, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in the Jahi 2 area of Abuja.

Femi Adeyeye, a member of the Take It Back Movement and spokesperson of the African Action Congress (AAC), told TheCable that the activist was arrested over a planned protest at the force headquarters today.

He said Nwodo was whisked away by police officers at Ruga-Fulani village on Sunday evening.

Adeyeye said Nwodo is being held without access to legal counsel or communication.

Nwodo is one of the organisers of the planned protest tagged #EndPoliceExtortion, which was scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2024, at the force headquarters.

The protest was initiated in response to the invitation extended to Omoyele Sowore, AAC presidential candidate in 2023, by the police.

On January 23, the police invited Sowore to the force headquarters in Abuja for questioning on Monday over alleged cyberstalking, negligent acts, and intimidation.

We will move the barricades with us, it has shifted base NOW! It is now going to be on Monday 10am at the Nigeria Police Force HQ in Abuja! #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/z740QkNqYX

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) January 24, 2025

The police invitation is connected to a viral video wherein Sowore confronted officers who had stopped his vehicle.

On Monday, Sowore arrived at the force headquarters for questioning, accompanied by his lawyers.