By our reporter
Protesters on Friday marched to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the release of journalist and political activist Omoyele Sowore.
The demonstrators, operating under the #FreeSowore campaign, arrived in black attire, carrying Nigerian flags and placards, chanting slogans against what they described as an attack on free speech.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was detained earlier in the week after responding to a police summons. He faces charges of forgery and inciting public disturbance, allegations his lawyers insist are politically motivated. Supporters say he was assaulted during the arrest, sustaining an arm injury before being moved to an undisclosed location.
His detention has drawn condemnation from the Nigerian Labour Congress, Amnesty International, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, all calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Protest leaders accused police of attempting to intimidate the peaceful gathering, warning that the demonstrations would spread nationwide if Sowore remains in custody. Similar protests have already been reported in Lagos.
Rights groups say the arrest is part of a wider crackdown on dissent and press freedom, urging authorities to drop the charges and respect constitutional rights.
