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, despite a court order restricting demonstrations around key government areas in Abuja.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore urged citizens to participate in peaceful demonstrations across the country.

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

On Sunday night, he had welcomed participants to the protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, commending their courage and commitment.
“We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and near to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he stated.

Sowore announced that protesters would gather in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m., urging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.”

He also posted on Facebook, saying, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”

However, the planned protest challenges an interim injunction reportedly issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining Sowore and others from protesting in or around sensitive government zones such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to the court order, Sowore questioned its legality and criticised what he described as double standards in law enforcement.

“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 asked.

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.

Sowore revealed that his legal team, consisting of 115 lawyers, would contest the alleged order once officially served on Monday.

He maintained that the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would go on as a peaceful and lawful exercise, declaring, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”

The planned demonstration coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, a period remembered for its nationwide call for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.