Sahara Reporter's publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is once again in the news, for you know, the obvious reason.
The rights activist and former presidential aspirant, has been reportedly arrested in Abuja, alongside other activists, who were carrying out a peaceful procession to mark the New Year.
We have a volunteer looking for those willing to go with him to Lagos Lekki Toll Gate for a #CrossoverWithProtest candlelight action starting from 11:30pm, DM if you wanna join!
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 31, 2020
According to eyewitness reports, policemen suspected to be with the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja, injuring Sowore before carting him away with other activists at the location.
Soon after, Sowore began to trend on social media as supporters of the Buhari administration, make fun of his arrest saying he made record for being the first high profile Nigerian to be arrested in 2021.
However, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called for the release of Sowore and some other activists in the custody of the Nigerian Police.
The group also threatened to sue the police if the activists are not released within 48 hours.
BREAKING: Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Omoyele Sowore & other activists reportedly arrested and tortured during a peaceful protest last night in Abuja.
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) January 1, 2021
We'll take legal/international action if Sowore & others are not released within 48 hours
Sowore was leading a protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja against bad governance in the country.
The protest tagged #CrossoverWithProtest, saw many Nigerians holding candles and a placard showing their grievances against the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He was reportedly arrested in one of the seven vans of the Nigerian police mobilised to the protest ground at Gudu junction in Abuja.
According to Sahara, the publisher and others arrested were taken to Abattoir police station in Logokoma, Abuja, where they are currently being detained.
This is not the first time that Mr Sowore is being arrested by the Buhari administration.
In 2019, he was detained for over 100 days for calling for a protest. He was detained despite a court order granting him bail and was only released after local and international pressure.
The police accused him of planning to overthrow the government of Mr Buhari.