Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is on high alert as security agencies brace for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today (Monday). The organisers have vowed to proceed with their planned march on the Presidential Villa to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Court Restrains Protesters from Sensitive Areas
Despite a restraining order from the Federal High Court prohibiting demonstrations near key government installations — including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Force Headquarters — organisers insist the protest will go ahead, describing it as peaceful and constitutionally protected.
The order, issued by Justice Mohammed Umar on Friday following an ex parte motion by the Nigeria Police Force, temporarily bars the group, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, from staging protests around those areas. The case is scheduled for hearing later today.
Organisers Defiant, Vow to Proceed
Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the protest would proceed in Abuja and simultaneously across states in the South-East region.
“Nothing shall discourage us! Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutional right,” Adenola declared. “We are resolved to fight this inhumane and illegal act that erodes our rights and corrupts our justice system.”
Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, dismissed the injunction, claiming his clients had not been served.
“We have notified the police of the protest, and they are expected to provide security. We have not been served any order,” Opara stated.
Sowore: One of the Largest Civic Actions Since #EndSARS
Speaking to The PUNCH, Omoyele Sowore said over 115 lawyers, medical workers, and journalists had been mobilised nationwide for the demonstration, describing it as one of Nigeria’s biggest civic movements since the #EndSARS protests.
“Mobilisation is very strong,” Sowore said. “We’ve reached marketplaces, religious centres, and even held meetings with former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Political Figures Back Peaceful Protest
The protest has drawn rare bipartisan support, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi publicly backing the demonstrators’ right to peaceful assembly.
Obi urged dialogue over confrontation, stating:
“There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place. Negotiation remains the only sustainable path to resolving separatist agitations.”
Labour Party spokesperson Tony Akeni also criticised the government’s handling of dissent, alleging double standards.
“Bandits are being engaged while political agitators are jailed,” Akeni said.
Security Tightened Across FCT
Meanwhile, heavy security deployments have been reported across Abuja. Security agencies have warned protesters against violence or destruction of property.
FCT Commandant of the Civil Defence Corps, Olusola Odumosu, said his team would ensure peace throughout the demonstrations.
“We are prepared to ensure there are no incidents of vandalism or threats to infrastructure and peace in the territory,” Odumosu affirmed.
A Charged Atmosphere Ahead of #EndSARS Anniversary
With tensions mounting and the protest coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, Abuja faces what could become one of the most politically charged civic confrontations since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
