Sowore Leads ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abia, Criticises Military Deployment

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Thursday joined protesters in Aba, Abia State, demanding the release of the detained 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 centres in southeastern Nigeria. Demonstrators marched through various sections of the market carrying banners and chanting solidarity slogans calling for Kanu’s freedom.

One of the prominent banners displayed during the protest read: “Coalition of Lovers of Freedom, Free Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.” The procession moved toward the A-Line section of the market, drawing the attention of traders and passersby.

The demonstration started with a relatively small crowd but gradually gained momentum as more participants joined along the route. As the march progressed deeper into the market, the number of protesters increased, turning the gathering into a noticeable public event within the busy trading environment.

Sowore’s presence attracted further attention from traders and residents who gathered along the streets and market lanes to observe the protest.

The Ariaria market area, usually dominated by commercial activities, witnessed chants and coordinated movements by protesters waving placards and banners throughout the march.

Addressing supporters who welcomed him to Aba, Sowore criticised the heavy presence of soldiers and other security operatives in the city during the protest. He argued that such security deployment would be more appropriate in regions facing attacks from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Lakurawa.

Sowore clarified that he did not organise the protest but attended because he believes in justice and fairness regarding Kanu’s case.

The protest reflects ongoing agitation among some groups in southeastern Nigeria calling for the release of the IPOB leader.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may revoke Sowore’s bail over his absence from court in an ongoing trial concerning alleged defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the case, also threatened to issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest if he fails to appear on the next adjourned date.

The warning followed an application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, who told the court that the activist deliberately stayed away from the proceedings despite being served with a hearing notice through his legal team.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS for allegedly making false and defamatory statements about President Tinubu, whom he described as “a criminal” in posts on his social media accounts, including X and Facebook.