Anxiety As Sowore’s #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Holds Today
Tension has gripped major cities across the country as human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, mobilises Nigerians for a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanu scheduled to hold today.
The protest, according to organisers, is aimed at demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 despite several court orders for his release.
Sowore, in a statement on Saturday, said the protest would be peaceful but firm, insisting that continued detention of Kanu was a violation of human rights and an assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
“The government cannot continue to disregard court rulings and expect citizens to keep quiet. Justice must be obeyed. Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, and we will not stop demanding it,” Sowore stated.
Security agencies, however, have reportedly been placed on high alert in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Onitsha, and Owerri, following intelligence reports of possible infiltration by violent groups.
The Nigeria Police Force has also warned that any act capable of breaching public peace would be met with resistance.
Residents of major South Eastern cities expressed fear that the demonstration could degenerate into clashes between protesters and security operatives, given the heightened tension in the region.
Meanwhile, pro-democracy groups and civil society organisations have called for restraint on both sides, urging security operatives to respect the rights of peaceful protesters.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that as of last night, organisers confirmed that the rally would commence simultaneously in several states, with Sowore expected to lead the Abuja procession to the National Human Rights Commission headquarters.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
