(DDM) – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee the safety and rights of peaceful protesters expected to join the October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstrations across the country.
DDM gathered that IPOB, in a statement released on Saturday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, emphasized that the police must maintain professional integrity and neutrality, describing the upcoming protests as “a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and rule of law.”
The statement urged the police to act responsibly in both language and conduct, warning that their reputation as an institution rests on impartial law enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights.
IPOB expressed concern over past incidents in which security operatives allegedly infiltrated peaceful protests with hired provocateurs to incite violence and justify clampdowns.
“IPOB urges the Nigeria Police Force to guard against such practices during this period,” the group cautioned.
“Such tactics, if repeated, would not only violate the rights of Nigerians but also betray the constitutional principles the police have pledged to uphold.”
The statement clarified that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign is not organized by IPOB, but rather a broad civic movement championed by human rights defenders and democracy advocates, including Omoyele Sowore, who have vowed to keep the protests peaceful and lawful.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this campaign is a national democratic initiative aimed at justice, freedom, and accountability,” the group explained.
“IPOB, as a lawful and peace-loving movement, fully supports the right of Nigerians to demand justice through peaceful means.”
Reiterating its commitment to nonviolence, IPOB directed its members to remain calm, law-abiding, and respectful of court orders, while avoiding any confrontation with security agencies during the October 20 demonstrations.
“The agitation for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release transcends ethnicity, religion, or political alignment,” Emma Powerful declared.
“It represents a universal call for justice and the rule of law, values shared by all freedom-loving Nigerians.”
He further urged the police to ensure that all participants in the protest are “protected, not provoked or persecuted,” stressing that the conduct of the security agencies during the demonstrations would serve as “a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic maturity.”
According to IPOB, its members and supporters will continue to pursue Kanu’s release through legal and peaceful means, in line with international human rights standards.
“IPOB remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, lawful advocacy, and the pursuit of justice,” the statement concluded.
“We pray for God’s protection over all participants in this noble struggle for truth and freedom. Let peace prevail, and let those who profit from chaos and oppression be exposed.”
As the countdown to October 20 continues, analysts told DDM that tension is rising across the Federal Capital Territory and the Southeast, with both security agencies and activists preparing for what may become one of the most closely watched civil protests in recent years, a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy and its approach to dissent.
