Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday continued nationwide mobilisation for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for October 20, urging Nigerians to stand against political persecution and injustice.
During an outreach at Utako Market, Abuja, which was streamed live on social media, Sowore called for massive public participation in demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“It was an honour to be charged with him (Kanu). I get charged every week in this country. Last week alone, I was charged three times at the Federal High Court,” Sowore said, condemning what he described as “fake charges” by the government to silence dissent.
He urged citizens to rise above ethnic divisions and unite under the banner of justice, declaring that his “tribe is justice, not ethnicity.”
“We can’t accept anybody being treated as second-class citizens in this country. That is why we are not here as Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo. My tribe is justice,” he stated.
The activist, who has faced multiple arrests and trials under different Nigerian administrations, shared his experiences as examples of what he termed “state intimidation of freedom fighters.” He recounted his diverse background — born in Ijaw land, speaking Yoruba, and serving his NYSC in Hausa land — as proof of Nigeria’s unity beyond tribal boundaries.
Sowore, known for his vibrant activism and grassroots engagements, also expressed cultural solidarity with the Igbo community, humorously adding that his love for Ogene music shows “something Igbo dey for my body,” to cheers from the crowd.
In recent weeks, Sowore and other activists have ramped up nationwide mobilisation ahead of the October 20 protest, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release and an end to what they describe as systemic injustice in Nigeria.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya, despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
Rights groups, political figures, and international observers have renewed pressure on the Nigerian government to comply with judicial directives.
Background:
Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention has sparked widespread criticism and solidarity campaigns across Nigeria and among the diaspora, heightening political tension ahead of the October 20 protest.
