Abuja, Nigeria – A large‑scale protest took over key roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday as human‑rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led demonstrators calling for the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
According to reports, the protest began at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Monday, with marchers gathering around Abuja’s central districts and proceeding towards the Presidential Villa, also known as Aso Rock. The event was mobilised under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
The march comes despite a recent court order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 17 October 2025, restraining Sowore, five others and anyone acting on their behalf from holding demonstrations at or near specified locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
In a post on his verified social‑media handle, Sowore described the court order as “double standards” and reaffirmed his intention to proceed with the protest lawfully and peacefully.
Security forces in Abuja reportedly deployed heavily in affected areas, with some outlets citing stops to traffic and market closures as the protest blocked major thoroughfares.
Kanu, a British‑citizen identified leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has faced terrorism charges since his 2021 re‑arrest and the Supreme Court’s reinstatement of the case.
Why this matters:
- The demonstration underscores continuing tensions between the Nigerian State and separatist movements in the southeast.
- The legal response (court injunction) highlights government concern about large-scale mobilisations and public order.
- The route and size of the protest may have implications for security policy in the FCT and mobilisation capacity of advocacy groups.
Next steps: Observers will watch for how the security agencies respond, whether the protest remains peaceful, and whether any arrests or clashes occur.
Keywords: Sowore protest Abuja, Free Nnamdi Kanu march, IPOB release demand, Abuja security October 2025, Nigeria human rights protest.