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Despite Court Order, Sowore Mobilises Nigerians for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow March in Abuja
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to participate in a nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, despite a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations in strategic areas of Abuja.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest, saying, “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 shared a post on Sunday night welcoming those traveling to the capital city to join the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. He wrote, “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.”
Sowore announced that the protesters would assemble in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja by 7 a.m. and urged participants to maintain peace and order, saying, “Come ready, come peaceful, come determined.” He also revealed plans to mobilise a massive turnout, stating, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”
The protest announcement comes despite an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining Sowore and others from demonstrating in or around critical government installations, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting to the injunction, Sowore questioned both the validity and fairness of the order, arguing that it reflected the double standards of Nigerian law enforcement. He said, “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? The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable.”
He disclosed that his legal team, which includes 115 lawyers, was prepared to challenge the injunction once it is officially served. According to him, the protest would go on peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully. “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he declared.
The planned demonstration coincides with the fifth anniversary of the EndSARS protests of October 2020, a historic nationwide movement that called for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.
