Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has urged Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of arrested Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court order prohibiting protests near important government sites in Abuja.
On Monday morning, Sowore called on Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest via X (previously Twitter).
“Good morning, wherever you are this morning, don’t stop moving. Carry a sign, perform a song, and make a statement!” He wrote.
On Sunday night, he sent a message welcoming protesters with the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
“We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and wide to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.
Sowore said that demonstrators would gather in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja at 7 a.m., urging people to “come ready, come peaceful, and come determined.”
He also posted on Facebook, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow—let’s make it happen.”
However, the planned march violates an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which prohibits Sowore and other organizers from protesting in or near sensitive government areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
On Saturday, Sowore questioned the order’s validity and the perception of double standards in law enforcement.
“Suppose 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?” Sowore asked.
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.
The activist stated that his legal team, which includes 115 lawyers, will oppose the supposed court order once it is formally served on Monday.
He insisted that the scheduled October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration would be a peaceful and legal march, adding, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct.” “We march peacefully, legally, and powerfully.”
The demonstration also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, which culminated in the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre—a time now recognized for its call for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.
