The Nigeria Police Force has said that activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was arrested to ensure fairness in the case involving those who joined Monday’s protest in Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told reporters on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore was taken into custody because he allegedly led protesters into a restricted area during a demonstration in support of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Hundeyin said it would be unfair to charge some protesters to court and leave out the person who led them.

He said, “If we charge some people to court and leave the person who led them into the restricted area, that would not be fair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.”

Hundeyin added that Sowore would not be detained longer than necessary and would likely be charged to court within 24 hours.

“Like the others, he won’t spend much time with us. Once we finish preparing the charges, he will be prosecuted today,” he said.

Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after showing up to support Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in detention.

Earlier in the week, Sowore led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.