Security forces on Monday morning locked down major parts of Abuja’s Central Area, the planned convergence point for participants of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest, amid growing calls for the unconditional release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other pro-democracy groups, is scheduled to begin today, October 20, 2025, with protesters vowing to occupy the Presidential Villa to demand compliance with the Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted Kanu in 2022.
However, heavily armed security operatives, including the police, soldiers, and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), have been deployed around key government buildings, the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier warned against the planned protest, urging organisers to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace. But despite the warning, organisers say the rally will go ahead, accusing the government of gross contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.
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“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention isn’t just illegal, it’s a national disgrace. The government is disobeying its own courts and mocking the Constitution,” Njoku said.
“On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu. That’s final! Yet the DSS still locks him up. That’s pure contempt, defying the rule of law.”
Njoku further accused the Supreme Court of “twisting justice” by reversing Kanu’s acquittal, arguing that the apex court’s decision violated the Doctrine of Finality and undermined judicial independence.
“Double jeopardy is a crime! Trying him again after an acquittal breaks Section 36(9) of the Constitution. You can’t punish a man twice for the same thing,” he added.
“They’re even charging him under a repealed Terrorism Act of 2013. That law no longer exists, so what are they even trying him for?”
The lawyer urged Nigerians to join the protest, insisting that the movement goes beyond Kanu’s personal case.
“This fight is bigger than one man. It’s about every Nigerian’s right to justice, dignity, and freedom. When the state tramples one man’s rights, it endangers us all,” Njoku said.
“Our demand is simple: obey the law. Enforce the acquittal. Release Nnamdi Kanu now.”
As of Monday morning, eyewitnesses reported roadblocks and heavy police presence around Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and Transcorp Hilton axis, with patrol vans stationed at strategic points to prevent gatherings.
