The Take It Back Movement has threatened to launch nationwide mass protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration if detained activist and former African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, is not released immediately.
The group issued the warning in a statement signed by its coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, on Wednesday.
Sowore was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday over a protest held two days earlier to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Explaining the reason for the arrest, police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was apprehended for leading protesters into restricted areas contrary to a subsisting court order.
In its statement, the Take It Back Movement condemned the arrest, describing it as an act of intimidation and a violation of Sowore’s fundamental rights.
“We wish to categorically warn that any form of detention, harassment, or intimidation of Sowore by the NPF or any arm of the Tinubu regime will be met with an immediate, nationwide mass action,” the group declared.
It further stated that if Sowore is not released unconditionally, it would join forces with other progressive organisations across the country to mobilise citizens for “sustained protests and civil disobedience” until his freedom is secured.