Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has led a protest demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest took place around the busy Ariaria International Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria.
The protesters moved through sections of the market carrying banners and chanting solidarity slogans as they called for the freedom of the IPOB leader.
One of the most visible banners seen among the crowd bore the inscription: “Coalition of Lovers of Freedom: Free Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” as demonstrators continued marching toward the A-Line section of Ariaria International Market, drawing the attention of traders and passersby.
The protest began with a modest turnout but rapidly expanded as more individuals joined the procession. The crowd grew as participants moved deeper into the market corridors, with chants, placards, and coordinated movement turning the demonstration into a major public spectacle within the bustling trading environment.
The presence of Sowore added a new dimension to the demonstration, attracting additional attention from traders and residents who gathered along the streets and market lanes to watch the unfolding scene.
The Ariaria Market environment, usually dominated by commercial activity and bargaining voices, witnessed loud chants and coordinated movement by protesters waving banners and placards.
The demonstration highlighted the continued agitation surrounding the detention of Kanu, whose supporters across parts of southeastern Nigeria have repeatedly demanded his release.
Sowore also faulted the deployment of numerous soldiers and other security personnel in Aba during the “Free Nnamdi Kanu One Million Protest,” which he attended.
Addressing a crowd of protesters who gathered to welcome him to Aba, Sowore said the strong military presence should have been deployed to states facing serious attacks from Boko Haram and Lakuwara terrorists.
According to the human rights activist, he was not the organiser of the Aba protest but explained that he attended because he believes in justice and equity for Kanu.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday warned that it may revoke the bail granted to Sowore over his absence from court in the ongoing trial for alleged defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.
The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, said he would also issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest if he fails to appear in court on the next adjourned date.
Justice Umar issued the warning following an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, who told the court that the defendant deliberately stayed away from the proceedings despite being served with a hearing notice through his team of lawyers.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS for allegedly making false and defamatory statements about Tinubu, whom he described as “a criminal” in posts on his X and Facebook accounts.
