Omoyele Sowore Mobilises Nigerians for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has mobilised Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court order restricting demonstrations in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest, describing the march as a lawful exercise of citizens’ rights.

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

Sowore, who had earlier announced the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, said participants from across the country would gather at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m. He urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and determined, stating, “Come ready, come peaceful, come determined.”

He also posted on Facebook, declaring his ambition to mobilise massive turnout for the protest.

“We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen,” he said.

The planned protest, however, comes amid a court order issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which temporarily restrains Sowore and other organisers from protesting near sensitive government institutions such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to the injunction, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and accused authorities of applying double standards in handling protests.

“If a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa, it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” he asked.

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.

The activist revealed that his legal team comprising 115 lawyers would challenge the court order once it is officially served.

Despite the legal restrictions, Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to go ahead with the march, describing the October 20 demonstration as a peaceful and lawful call for justice.

“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he declared.

The protest also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which began in October 2020 and sparked nationwide calls for police reform and justice for victims of police brutality.

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