Organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest have vowed to proceed with a planned march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, despite a Federal High Court order restricting protests around key government locations.
The protest, led by the Take It Back Movement and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing charges including terrorism and treason.
On Friday, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction restraining the organisers from protesting near the Villa, the National Assembly, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, and other sensitive areas. The order was issued following an ex parte application by the Nigeria Police Force.
Despite the court ruling, the organisers maintain that the protest will go ahead in Abuja and across several South-Eastern states. The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, described the march as a constitutionally protected right.
“Nothing shall discourage us. Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutionally guaranteed right,” he said.
Legal counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, stated that the group had not been served the court order and insisted that the police had been notified about the protest. He added that security forces are expected to provide protection for peaceful demonstrators.
The protest has received backing from several opposition political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, both of whom have called on the Federal Government to release Kanu and engage in dialogue.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, and Labour Party spokesperson Tony Akeni also voiced support for the protest, criticising the government’s handling of Kanu’s detention and accusing it of double standards.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s legal team remains divided on the protest. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Onyechi Ikpeazu, stated that he would not participate, saying his focus remains on legal proceedings. However, another counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed his support and said he would join the demonstration.
Security agencies have responded with increased presence in Abuja and other major cities. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed personnel to strategic locations, warning against vandalism or violence. The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said officers would exercise restraint but would act to prevent any threat to lives or infrastructure.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) also declared all custodial centres nationwide as “Red Zones,” warning that unauthorised individuals should stay away to avoid security breaches.
Kanu has been in custody since 2021, following his controversial arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria. His detention has sparked national and international debate, with critics alleging political persecution, while the government maintains he is being lawfully prosecuted.
The planned protest coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, raising concerns among authorities over potential unrest.
