Southern Coalition Alleges Plot to Destabilise Nigeria Through #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest

The Coalition of Southern Groups has accused organisers of Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja of attempting to destabilise Nigeria and undermine the judiciary under the guise of activism.

Speaking on ARISE Television, the group’s National Coordinator, Oladotun Hassan, claimed that intelligence gathered by the coalition showed the protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, was “politically motivated” and designed to cause unrest.

> “This was not a genuine call for justice. It was a politically intended protest meant to destabilise the country and discredit the judiciary,” Hassan said. “I was disappointed to see Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer participating. As a lawyer, you cannot protest against a sitting court handling an active case.”


Hassan alleged that the protesters defied a court order restricting access to parts of Abuja, including Shehu Shagari Way and Transcorp Hilton, describing the action as an attempt to provoke security agencies.

He further claimed that opposition elements were exploiting the protest to fuel ethnic tension, particularly among the Igbo in the South-East.

> “This is a plot to mislead our Igbo brothers. No one should use them as tools for political gain,” he added.


According to Hassan, the demonstration was “premeditated, well-funded, and carefully orchestrated” to create instability.

> “This is not about Nnamdi Kanu. It’s part of a wider scheme to discredit the government and threaten national security,” he stated.



The coalition said it would present evidence of the alleged plot to the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation.

> “We will ensure the law takes its course. The security agencies must act swiftly to stop further attempts to incite unrest under the cover of activism,” Hassan said.



He also criticised Sowore for allegedly using protests as a political tool, urging activists to engage government through dialogue and legal means instead of street demonstrations.

> “There are lawful ways to engage through dialogue, research, or parliamentary processes. Constant protests only heighten public tension and erode trust,” he said.

Hassan condemned any attempt to intimidate the judiciary while cases are still in court, stressing that Nnamdi Kanu must face due process.

He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated tolerance for dissent but warned that such freedom should not be mistaken for weakness.

> “The President is a democrat who respects free speech, but no one should abuse that right to cause chaos. What happened in Abuja was not activism, it was a calculated attempt to destabilise Nigeria,” Hassan concluded.