Security agencies have tightened control over key roads and locations in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory ahead of a planned protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The demonstration, spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, is scheduled for October 20 and is set to march towards Aso Rock, the presidential seat of power in Nigeria.
Joint security forces, including the Nigerian Police and Army, have deployed personnel and established checkpoints on major routes leading to the capital’s government district.
Reports indicate that police fired tear gas as early as 7 a.m. Nigerian time to disperse early gatherings of protesters.
Despite a court order restricting the protest to designated areas, Sowore and his team have insisted that the march will go ahead as planned.
“Our legal team will contest any alleged court order the moment it is served on us,” Sowore said on Sunday.
“But let it be clear: nothing will stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow is sacred. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”
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The Nigeria Police Force, however, has issued warnings to all groups intending to protest, urging compliance with the court directive and cautioning against approaching sensitive locations such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the directive stems from an order by Justice M. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Omoyele Sowore.
“The order restrains the parties and anyone acting under their instructions from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs,” Hundeyin explained.
He added that violators or those inciting violence would face prosecution.
Sowore condemned the continued detention of Kanu, describing it as illegal and a “national disgrace.” He accused the Nigerian government of defying judicial orders and undermining the 1999 Constitution.
“The Court of Appeal cleared Mr. Kanu in 2022, discharging and acquitting him,” Sowore said. “Yet the DSS has refused to release him, even temporarily, in direct defiance of the court’s ruling.”
