By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to join a nationwide demonstration demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
His appeal comes despite a court order restricting protests around major government institutions in Abuja.
In a Monday morning post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore urged citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest. “Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.
Earlier on Sunday night, Sowore had shared another message welcoming participants to the planned protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. “We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and wide to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.
He announced that demonstrators would gather in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 7 am, encouraging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.” He also reiterated the call 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 rally is being organised in defiance of an interim injunction reportedly issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The order barred Sowore and other conveners from holding protests within or around key government zones, such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Responding to the court’s decision on Saturday, Sowore questioned both its legitimacy and the inconsistency of its 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?” Sowore asked.
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.
Sowore further disclosed that a team of 115 lawyers would challenge the alleged injunction once it is officially served.
Despite the legal barrier, he insisted that the October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would go ahead as a peaceful, lawful, and determined march. “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he declared.
The protest coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020 and culminated in the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre — a period now remembered for its call for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.