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#EndBadGovernance Protesters Storm Court, Demand Sowore’s Release
Tensions flared at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday as protesters under the #EndBadGovernance movement accused security forces of intimidation while demanding the immediate release of activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore.
Amid heavy police presence on Wednesday, a protester expressed frustration over what he described as misplaced priorities by the authorities.
“Police officers are here to intimidate protesters. Meanwhile, Abuja is burning. Look at them gathered here instead of being deployed to crime hotspots. This shows the seriousness of this government and the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. If he were serious, he would send his men to tackle crime, not to harass peaceful demonstrators,” the protester said.
The demonstrators insisted that Sowore, who has been detained, should either be brought before the court immediately or released if no formal charges had been filed against him.
“What we are asking is that Sowore should be brought before a court now. Stop detaining him and breaching his right to liberty if you have no charges against him. Free Sowore now!” another protester demanded.
Beyond Sowore’s case, the protesters also called for an end to what they termed the weaponization of the judiciary against government critics.
“We are also asking for the striking out of all cases against critics of this government. All critics who were unjustly tried in this country should have their cases struck out. The authorities should focus on serious matters instead of chasing trivialities,” the protester added.
Despite the heavy security presence, the protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until their demands were met.
Recall that Sowore was summoned over multiple allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking and acts allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.
However, in a statement on X.com on Monday, Sowore claimed that his summons was politically motivated, linking it to his public criticism of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension.
Sowore later revealed that he had been granted bail following an engagement with the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
Despite this, he maintained that he would reject any bail conditions that he believed would compromise his “innocence, dignity, and integrity.”
On Tuesday, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, confirmed that the police would arraign the rights activist yesterday.
“The police have procured charges to arraign Omoyele Sowore before Justice Liman at the Federal High Court tomorrow,” Abubakar said.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
