Sowore Defies Court Order Plans Nationwide Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

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.

The planned demonstration is set to hold on October 20, despite a court order restricting protests around key government areas in Abuja.

Sowore made the call through his social media platforms, urging citizens to participate peacefully in what he described as a historic show of solidarity. He said protesters would gather at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja from 7 a.m., carrying placards and calling for justice. He encouraged participants to remain peaceful, united, and determined as they march for Kanu’s freedom.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to pressure the government to obey previous court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. Supporters have reportedly traveled from different parts of the country to take part in the demonstration, which Sowore said represents a movement for justice and accountability.

However, the rally faces legal hurdles after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction stopping Sowore and others from holding protests near sensitive areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.

Reacting to the order, Sowore questioned its validity and accused authorities of bias, pointing out that pro-government demonstrators were allowed to gather freely in the same locations. He described the restrictions as an attempt to suppress citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

Sowore said his legal team, made up of over a hundred lawyers, is preparing to challenge the court injunction once officially served. He insisted that the protest would proceed lawfully and peacefully, stating that Nigerians must continue to demand justice through nonviolent action.

The planned march coincides with the fifth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which called for an end to police brutality and governance reform. Sowore linked both movements, describing them as part of the same struggle for freedom, justice, and accountability in Nigeria.