Sowore Mobilises Nigerians for #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Despite Court Order

Sowore Mobilises Nigerians for #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Despite Court Order

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

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets peacefully, writing: “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 welcomed participants to the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, saying their courage and solidarity “speak volumes.”

“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 on Sunday night.

Sowore announced that protesters would gather in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 am, urging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.” He also stated in a Facebook post, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”

However, the march comes despite an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining Sowore and other organisers from protesting in or around sensitive areas, including the Presidential Villa,National Assembly Complex,Force Headquarters,Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to reports of the injunction, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and alleged bias in the enforcement of protest laws.

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“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 said.

He added that his legal team, consisting of 115 lawyers, would challenge the alleged order once formally served.

Sowore reaffirmed that the protest would proceed peacefully, declaring, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully and powerfully.”

The planned protest coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, remembered for its calls for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.