Sowore Demands Release Of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters, Warns Of Street Action

Omoyele Sowore has called for the immediate release of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, activist Fineboy Kanu, and others detained over the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests, describing their arrest as “illegal” and alleging they were tortured while in custody. In a post on X early Monday, Sowore addressed the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (@FCT_PoliceNG), warning that if the detainees are not freed, his supporters would take action. “@FCT_PoliceNG is instructed to release Barrister @AloyEjimakor, Fineboy Kanu, and others illegally arrested, tortured, and currently being forced into detention over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest immediately, or we will mobilize the entire crew now on the street to the FCT command and occupy their office!” he wrote. The statement comes amid ongoing demonstrations across Nigeria demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who faces treason-related charges. Security agencies have recently detained several protesters in Abuja and other cities, citing concerns over public order. Sowore’s post signals a potential escalation, as he threatens to lead protesters to the FCT Police headquarters if the detainees are not released. The situation highlights rising tensions between protest organizers and security forces, both on the streets and online.

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Sowore Flees as Police Disperse ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reportedly turned chaotic in Abuja as security operatives fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse demonstrators. The rally, which was led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was held in the Maitama area of the capital. Witnesses said the police moved in shortly after the protesters began chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” leading to a stampede as participants fled the scene. Although live rounds were discharged, there is no confirmation that the bullets were aimed directly at protesters, and no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, more videos emerging from the capital show parts of Abuja under partial lockdown, with heavy traffic congestion and restricted movement following the security clampdown.

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Security Operatives Disperse #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest Led by Sowore in Abuja

Security operatives on Monday forcefully dispersed protesters led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who gathered in Abuja under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement. The demonstration, which also had in attendance lawyer Barr. Aloy Ejimakor and other supporters of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took place near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama. Protesters were seen chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and calling on the federal government to release the separatist leader. They also warned security agents against the use of tear gas during the peaceful gathering. However, the situation reportedly turned chaotic as gunshots rang out, prompting the protesters to flee for safety. As of press time, there has been no official statement from either the police or the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the incident or possible arrests.

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Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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Court Clears Sowore To Proceed With #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest After Police Request Rejected

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers to restrain activist and protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, from going ahead with the demonstration near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, Justice Umar declined to grant the police request, ruling that Sowore must first be served with a formal notice before any decision could be made. The judge subsequently adjourned the case until Tuesday for a full hearing. The ruling effectively allows the protest to proceed as planned on Monday, as there is currently no court order preventing it. Reacting to the decision, Sowore hailed the court’s refusal to halt the protest as a victory for democracy and free expression. “IGP Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday,” Sowore wrote on X. “But the judge refused to grant the motion and adjourned the case for proper hearing on Tuesday.” The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 despite multiple court rulings ordering his release. With the court’s ruling, Sowore and his supporters are expected to march toward the Presidential Villa as planned, setting the stage for a tense faceoff with security operatives. The final decision on the legality of the protest will be determined at the adjourned hearing on Tuesday.

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Sowore Schedules October 20 Protest To Aso Rock Demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for a protest march to Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 20, demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Sowore announced the plan on his X account, @YeleSowore, stating that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march will begin at 7 a.m. The activist described the demonstration as “historic,” aimed at pressuring the federal government to respect court orders for Kanu’s unconditional release. Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after his extradition from Kenya, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. His continued detention, despite several court rulings, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and sparked occasional protests in the South-East. The march comes exactly a year after the #EndSARS memorial and is seen by supporters as a renewed call for justice and accountability. Security agencies have yet to respond to the planned demonstration.  

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Sowore Calls On Peter Obi, Soludo, Abaribe, And Alex Otti To Lead Peaceful Protest For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has urged prominent South-East figures, including Peter Obi, Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Abia Governor Alex Otti, to join a peaceful march to Aso Rock demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). On Tuesday, Sowore posted on his official X account, appealing to governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and Nigerians who support Kanu’s freedom to go beyond words and actively participate in the protest. He pledged to personally lead the effort. “No more empty noise,” Sowore declared, calling for a united, lawful, and visible push to end Kanu’s “persecution.” He emphasized that political differences should be set aside for this cause. Kanu’s terrorism trial recently faced a setback when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his no-case submission. The court ruled that the prosecution’s evidence, including testimonies from five witnesses, established a prima facie case, requiring Kanu to enter his defense. The trial has been adjourned to October 8, pending a report from the Nigerian Medical Association on Kanu’s health, which will determine the next hearing date. Sowore’s call intensifies pressure on South-East leaders as Kanu’s detention remains a key flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape.  

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IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful -AGF

The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful. The appointment of Egbetokun, according to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024. “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him. “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023. “This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public,”Fagbemi stated.

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