Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This comes despite a court order restricting demonstrations around major government institutions in Abuja.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest, writing:
“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!”
The activist had earlier welcomed supporters travelling from different parts of the country to join the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, expressing gratitude for their courage and solidarity.
According to Sowore, protesters are to assemble at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m., emphasizing that participants should come “ready, peaceful, and determined.”
In a Facebook post, he also revealed plans to mobilize one million Nigerians to join the peaceful march in Abuja.
However, the planned protest defies an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, which bars Sowore and other organizers from demonstrating around sensitive areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting to the court order, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and criticized what he described as “double standards” by the authorities.
“If a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock, why hasn’t the police obtained a similar order against those who protested freely for three days against Nnamdi Kanu’s release?”
He confirmed that his legal team of 115 lawyers would challenge the injunction once officially served.
Sowore insisted that the protest scheduled for October 20 would go ahead peacefully and lawfully, declaring:
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”
Notably, the planned demonstration coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, a period remembered for the fight against police brutality and the tragic events at the Lekki Toll Gate.
