Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to take to the streets in a nationwide protest demanding the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite 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 “keep moving, carry a sign, sing a song, and make a statement.”
Ahead of the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, Sowore had on Sunday night welcomed participants, praising their courage and solidarity.
“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.
According to the activist, protesters are expected to converge at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m. He urged them to come “ready, peaceful, and determined,” adding on Facebook that the goal was to “put one million people on the streets of Abuja.”
However, the planned march defies an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining Sowore and others from protesting in or around sensitive areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting to the reported order, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and accused law enforcement of double standards, citing that pro-government protesters had demonstrated freely for days without restraint.
“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?” he said.
Sowore added that his legal team of 115 lawyers would challenge the order once formally served, insisting that the October 20 protest would go on peacefully and lawfully.
The march also marks the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020 — a movement remembered for its call for justice and police reform following the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre.
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