Sowore Defies Court Order, Mobilises Nigerians For Nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around key government areas in Abuja.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) early Monday, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets peacefully, saying, “Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” He had earlier on Sunday night welcomed participants to the planned demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, commending their courage and solidarity.

According to Sowore, protesters are expected to converge in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m., with a call to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.” He also stated on Facebook that the movement aims to bring “one million people” to the streets of Abuja in support of Kanu’s freedom.

The planned rally, however, stands in defiance of an interim order issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, barring Sowore and other organisers from holding protests near sensitive government institutions such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to the order, Sowore questioned its legality and accused the authorities of double standards. “If such a court order truly exists, why hasn’t the police obtained a similar one against those protesting freely against Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” he asked, describing the move as “glaring hypocrisy.” He revealed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, would challenge the order once officially served.

Despite the restrictions, Sowore maintained that the October 20 protest would proceed peacefully and lawfully, marking both the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement and the fifth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations, which called for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.