Sowore set to lead #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest October 20 in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced plans to lead a peaceful protest in Abuja on October 20, calling for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore disclosed the protest date on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, describing it as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa, aimed at pressing the Federal Government to comply with court rulings ordering Kanu’s release.

“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 a.m.,” Sowore wrote.

The activist assured that the demonstration would be peaceful and lawful, urging participants to act responsibly while demanding justice for the IPOB leader.

Call to Southeast leaders

On Wednesday, Sowore appealed to Southeast governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the march, saying it was time for them to take a firm stand rather than issue statements.

“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he stated.

Sowore revealed that he had personally reached out to several political leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging them to participate.

He added that while some acknowledged his calls, others had yet to respond.

“I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives, who was very receptive. Members of the Abia State House of Assembly said they plan to engage the Attorney General of the Federation first before joining any public action. What matters most is that we agree on a unified date for action,” he explained.

Sowore insisted that this was not the time for silence or hesitation, stressing that if Nigerians truly believed in Kanu’s right to freedom, “every leader of conscience must act now, not later.”

Kanu’s prolonged detention

Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite several court rulings ordering his release — including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him — the Federal Government has refused to comply.

Kanu is facing multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He has consistently pleaded not guilty.

Rights groups and political figures have repeatedly criticised the government’s stance, describing Kanu’s continued detention as a violation of both domestic and international laws.