(DDM) – Human rights activist and political figure Omoyele Sowore has announced that the recent protests calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, are only the beginning of a larger, more coordinated wave of demonstrations across Nigeria.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Sowore, speaking in a televised interview, vowed, “We are about to announce another date, and that one will be bigger and the mother of all protests,” emphasizing that government inaction and the use of force against peaceful demonstrators will not deter Nigerians from demanding justice.
The announcement follows reports of heightened security during the October 20, 2025, protest in Abuja under the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign.
Witnesses and Sowore himself claimed that security forces deployed tear gas and live ammunition in areas such as Apo and City Gate, actions that sparked public outrage and condemnation.
Sowore criticized the government’s response as a demonstration of fear rather than strength, stating, “The government’s refusal to act and its reliance on force demonstrate fear, not strength.” He further described Kanu’s detention as a moral and political test for the administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
The activist questioned why criminals and militants are sometimes released while Kanu remains in detention, arguing that selective justice has heightened national frustration.
“If they could release bandits and drug dealers, there’s no justification for keeping Kanu behind bars,” Sowore said, adding that many Nigerians perceive the justice system as unevenly applied.
Sowore also commended citizens who participated in earlier demonstrations, highlighting their courage as evidence that Nigerians are no longer willing to remain silent in the face of oppression.
He called on professional groups, including lawyers, doctors, students, and civil servants, to prepare for the next phase of the campaign, describing it as decisive for the nation’s democratic future.
DDM reports that tensions are escalating as Sowore’s announcement signals growing momentum behind the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement, while protesters warn that any further suppression of peaceful assemblies could deepen Nigeria’s democratic crisis.
Observers say the unfolding events are likely to intensify scrutiny of government policies, the selective application of justice, and the treatment of peaceful demonstrators, potentially drawing international attention to Nigeria’s human rights record.
The next phase of protests, as promised by Sowore, is expected to mobilize larger crowds nationwide, increasing pressure on authorities to address the concerns of citizens demanding accountability and the release of detained leaders.