#Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Sowore Sparks Nationwide Protest for Justice

#Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Sowore Sparks Nationwide Protest for Justice

In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a wave of activism has surged as citizens rally under the banner of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. Initiated by human-rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, this nationwide protest demands the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Who Is Nnamdi Kanu and why the protest ?
Nnamdi Kanu, the founder of IPOB, has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics since his arrest in Kenya in 2021 and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. Charged with terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, Kanu’s detention has been mired in legal battles.

His supporters view him as a champion for Biafran self-determination, while the government sees IPOB as a separatist threat.
Omoyele Sowore, known for his #RevolutionNow campaign and relentless activism against corruption and injustice, announced the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in early October 2025.
Sowore and collaborators describe the march as a pan-Nigerian, peaceful protest demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu who has faced terrorism and related charges in Nigerian courts.

The protest which is set for today, October 20, 2025, started at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, with plans to march toward Aso Rock Villa to pressure President Bola Tinubu’s administration for Kanu’s release. 

Timeline, mobilisation and Growing Support

The weeks preceding October 20 saw intense mobilization efforts across Nigeria. Sowore and allies, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and various Igbo groups, conducted outreach in markets like Dei Dei in Abuja, urging citizens to join the protest.  Social media played a pivotal role, with the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow trending as supporters shared videos, posters, and calls to action. 

Support poured in from diverse quarters. Southeast youth leaders and Igbo women endorsed the protest, viewing it as a peaceful avenue to address Kanu’s prolonged detention.   Prominent Igbo leaders backed Sowore, framing the movement as a fight for justice rather than secession.

However, tensions brewed as the government responded. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) obtained a court order on October 17, 2025, restricting protests around key sites notably Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters and certain central government locations.  Sowore dismissed the order as invalid, arguing it was not properly served and violated constitutional rights to assembly.  He accused the police of double standards, noting that counter-protests against Kanu’s release had proceeded unhindered. 

Security posture and government response

Ahead of the protest, security agencies circulated directives advising heightened deployments and designating correctional centres and other sensitive sites as “no-protest” or “red” zones. The police and other correctional agencies warned citizens to avoid restricted areas; at the same time, Sowore urged police to guarantee the safety of peaceful protesters. Human-rights groups and legal observers urged restraint and called for clear channels to protect both the right to assembly and public security.

The Day of the Protest

Today, being October 20, 2025, the protest unfolded, major cities especially Abuja saw heavy security presence, traffic gridlock and attempts by crowds to converge on focal points. Protesters, led by Sowore, gathered peacefully, chanting for Kanu’s freedom and waving placards. However, the demonstration quickly turned chaotic as security operatives fired tear gas and shots to disperse the crowd.  Reports indicate that Sowore and other protesters fled the scene to avoid escalation.

Despite the crackdown, the movement’s spirit remained unbroken. Sowore had welcomed participants from across the country the night before, emphasizing peace and determination.  The protest, while centered in Abuja, inspired solidarity actions nationwide, with calls for Kanu’s release echoing in markets and online spaces.

In conclusion

While the protest has united diverse groups including Igbo leaders, students, and activists it has also sparked divisions, with some Southeast stakeholders wary of potential violence.

Sowore’s initiative could inspire further movements, but the government’s heavy-handed response risks escalating tensions. As Sowore stated, “The protest remains unstoppable,” signaling that the fight for Kanu’s release and broader justice may continue beyond October 20.

In a nation grappling with economic hardships and security challenges, this protest serves as a reminder of the power of collective action. Whether it leads to Kanu’s freedom remains uncertain, but it has undeniably amplified voices long silenced.

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