(DDM) – Tension is mounting in Abuja as plans for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest are set to go ahead today despite government warnings.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that organisers are determined to march on the Presidential Villa to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The planned demonstration follows a Federal High Court interim order restraining protesters from approaching the Villa, National Assembly, and other key government institutions.
Despite the injunction, organisers insisted on proceeding with the nationwide protest, emphasising it would be peaceful and constitutionally protected.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the march would occur simultaneously in Abuja and South-Eastern states.
The protest, calling for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, has been endorsed by several opposition figures, signalling its political significance.
Kanu is currently in custody on charges including terrorism, treason, and incitement, stemming from his advocacy for Biafra’s independence through controversial platforms such as Radio Biafra and social media.
IPOB was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 2017, and Kanu, who fled Nigeria while on bail the same year, was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021. His extradition has sparked intense legal debate and accusations of political persecution.
While Kanu’s health had been a concern, recent medical evaluations declare him fit to stand trial.
The Federal Government is reportedly concerned about the protest coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, which included the alleged Lekki toll gate shooting.
Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, leads the protest and insists that the march to Aso Rock is essential for citizens to directly communicate their grievances.
Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, said the court order had not been formally served, and that police had been notified of the protest to provide security.
Adenola placed responsibility for maintaining peace on the security forces, urging them to protect protesters and avoid provocation.
Over 115 lawyers, medical personnel, and journalists have been mobilised to support the protest, reflecting its national reach and strong organisation.
Support for the demonstration has come from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, both urging dialogue over continued detention.
Obi emphasised that negotiation is the only sustainable means to address separatist agitations and commended Sowore and other activists for their efforts.
Some of Kanu’s legal team, including Senior Counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, are focusing strictly on judicial proceedings, while others, like Aloy Ejimakor, fully support the protest.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are deploying personnel across Abuja and cautioning against vandalism or theft.
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu reiterated that the right to peaceful protest is recognised, but any criminal hijacking of the event would face full legal consequences.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) declared all correctional centres as “Red Zones,” warning the public to avoid these areas to prevent security breaches.
Authorities continue to brace for potential clashes as organisers prepare a disciplined, nationwide demonstration calling attention to what they describe as political persecution and erosion of civil rights.