Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to take to the streets in a nationwide protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court order restricting demonstrations near key government institutions in Abuja.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore urged Nigerians to defy the odds and participate in what he described as a peaceful, lawful demonstration.
“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.
On Sunday night, Sowore had welcomed participants traveling from across the country to join the protest, which is tagged #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 posted.
According to him, protesters will assemble by 7:00 a.m. in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. He urged participants to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.” On Facebook, he added:
“We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”
Protest defies court injunction
The protest is set to proceed despite an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which bars Sowore and other organisers from staging demonstrations in or around high-security zones. These include the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Sowore, however, dismissed the legal basis of the injunction, questioning the judiciary’s consistency and the selective enforcement of court orders.
“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?” he asked on Saturday.
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.
The activist also revealed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, is prepared to challenge the injunction once it is formally served on Monday.
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” Sowore declared.
The planned protest comes on the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a nationwide call in October 2020 for an end to police brutality, which culminated in the controversial Lekki Toll Gate incident. The date has since become symbolic for youth-led advocacy for justice and reform in Nigeria.
Sowore and his supporters are positioning the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march within this broader narrative of civil rights and resistance to oppression.
