Protesters demanding Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra release hit streets in FCT Abuja on Monday, October 20th 2025.
The peaceful protesters
chanting #freeNnamdi Kanu now, was led by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore in defiance to a court order stopping the protest where gunshots were fired into the air, while sirens were blarred repeatedly.
The IPOB leader is being prosecuted by the Department of State Security Service, DSS on a seven count charge, bothering on his alleged involvement in terrorism activities after his re-arrested in Kenya and subsequently extradited to Nigeria in June 2021.
In a now trending video, Sowore and others, was seen, urging the police operatives not to teargas them, stating that it’s the fundamental rights of Nigerians to protest.
The military and other security forces that mounted guard atop Hilux vans, including the Nigeria police were also seen in the footage, with the protesters, apparently to prevent possible hikack of the protest by Nigerians.
But the situation degenerated after the protesters continued their chants, leading to more gunshots that promoted Sowore in the video to advice his co-protesters and take to their heels in a video.
Sowore had called on Nigerians and his supporters to join the
peaceful protest irrespective of the threats against it.
He said, “we are here to let people know that this action is going on as planned across the world. As a matter of fact, the centre of gravity will be Abuja – The Federal Capital Territory, where Mr Nnamdi Kanu, is currently unlawfully and unjustly being detained by the State Security Service known as DSS.
“The law is very clear. Mr Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is not just illegal, it’s national disgrace. The government is disobeying its own Court and mocking the Nigerian Constitution. The 1999 Constitution that they (leaders) subscribed to.
“The Court of Appeal cleared Mr Nnamdi Kanu in 2022, and discharged and acquitted him. That is the final. Yet, the DSS even upon this discharge, and acquittal never released him even for a second, in disobedience to the Court of Appeal position”, Sowore said the action of the government is a contempt of Court.
Some Nigerians have declared their support for the protest, while others expressed their resentment against the move.
They also warned that it’s a risky move to mark the 5th year violent #EndSARS protests against the Nigeria police brutality.
