Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations in Abuja’s key government areas.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets and make their voices heard through peaceful action.
“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he posted.
The activist had earlier, on Sunday night, shared a message welcoming participants to the mass demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, describing the movement as one of courage and unity.
“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 revealed that protesters would gather in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja at 7 a.m., encouraging participants to come in peace but with strong resolve.
“Come ready, come peaceful, come determined,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to a lawful demonstration.
He also shared on Facebook, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”
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However, the planned rally directly challenges an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which barred Sowore and other organisers from holding protests near sensitive government sites such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting to the injunction, Sowore questioned both its validity and the consistency of law enforcement in dealing with public demonstrations.
“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 disclosed that his legal team—comprising 115 lawyers—was prepared to challenge the injunction in court once it is formally served.
He reaffirmed that the protest would proceed as planned, describing it as both peaceful and constitutionally protected.
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he insisted.
The timing of the protest is particularly symbolic, as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020—a movement that rocked Nigeria with nationwide calls for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.
That movement culminated in the infamous Lekki Toll Gate shootings, where peaceful protesters were allegedly killed by security forces, a tragedy that continues to shape conversations around governance, accountability, and civic freedom in Nigeria.
With Sowore’s defiance of the court order, tension continues to build in the capital city as citizens weigh the implications of renewed nationwide protests on a date already heavy with historical significance.