Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances.

His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions.

Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest.

His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Court orders takeover of EndSARS Activist, FK Abudu’s Family Firm over N532 million Debt.

Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim order empowering Lotus Bank Limited to take possession of all assets belonging to Unpacked Limited (in receivership), a company owned by Oluwafeyikemi Abudu and guaranteed by Oluwafemi Badewole, over an alleged debt of ₦532,691,920.86.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the bank’s counsel, A. Adedoyin-Adetunji, seeking the court’s approval to recover the outstanding sum arising from an Ijara Muntaluya Bittamleek (lease-to-own) facility extended to the company.

Court Grants Takeover of Assets and Accounts
In the motion, marked FHC/L/CS/2097/2025, Lotus Bank prayed the court for leave to take over the company’s movable and immovable assets, as well as funds domiciled in several financial institutions across the country.

The bank also sought an order restraining over 25 banks and financial institutions—including GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, and Fidelity Bank—from releasing or tampering with any funds linked to the defendants’ accounts or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).

The restraining order also extends to digital finance platforms such as Opay, Palmpay, Paystack, Piggyvest, and Momo Agent, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Receiver Empowered to Take Possession
The court further authorised Patrick Mgbeoma, the receiver/manager appointed by Lotus Bank, to take possession of and realise all assets belonging to Unpacked Limited, including fixed and floating assets, equipment, and undertakings covered under the Deed of All Assets Debenture dated May 25, 2025, and the Deed of Appointment of Receiver dated October 6, 2025.

Justice Dipeolu also granted the bank’s request for police assistance, directing the Inspector-General of Police, senior officers, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, to provide security support to court bailiffs and the receiver during the takeover process.

According to the motion, the affected company operates from VPD Academy Building 4, Thorburn Avenue, Yaba, Lagos, where the bank alleged some of the assets under the loan agreement were located. The court’s order enables bailiffs and enforcement officers to gain access to the premises and secure all relevant assets.

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

Sowore Back in police Custody After Fresh Arrest at Federal High Court.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been rearrested by police operatives shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Sowore, who is the convener of the movement, had attended court proceedings relating to the protest held earlier in the week when officers reportedly moved in to detain him. According to eyewitnesses, the activist was accosted moments after stepping out of the courtroom, sparking mild tension within the court premises.

Police authorities later confirmed the arrest, alleging that Sowore violated a subsisting court order prohibiting the said protest. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was being held for leading the demonstration despite being aware of the restriction.

“He was arrested for violating a court order. Others arrested earlier in connection with the protest confirmed that he led them to the venue,” Hundeyin stated. The police said 14 other persons connected to the protest were also in custody and would soon be arraigned.

Sowore, who briefly attempted to resist arrest, was later taken away by armed operatives amid chants of solidarity from supporters present at the court. The development has drawn reactions from activists and civic groups who described the arrest as another attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail.

A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja.

While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial.

The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

Court Approves Prosecution Of Tinubu’s Minister, Onyejeocha For Alleged Forgery.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja.

Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.

The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators.

Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law.

He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views.

He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day.

Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Legal Team, Defends Himself in Terrorism Trial.

Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team also withdrew from the suit — a move Kanu confirmed in court. The IPOB leader told Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer.

Defending himself, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. Outside the courtroom, Agabi told reporters, “A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision and we wish him well going forward.”

Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. When the case was called, Agabi announced that he and other SANs — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one unnamed — were withdrawing from the matter.

Following Kanu’s confirmation of his lawyers’ exit, Justice Omotosho ordered the remaining members of the defence team in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom. He then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction but was overruled. Ikpeazu later informed the court that their withdrawal took effect Thursday morning and requested time for Kanu to “gather his thoughts.” The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

In a motion he personally filed, Kanu said he was ready to begin “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.” He told the court he planned to call 23 witnesses — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” ones to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

BREAKING: Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja | Sahara Reporters

Court To Deliver Judgment In FIRS Official’s Alleged N2bn Fraud Case 8th December.

The trial of Emmanuella Eteta Ita, Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS and her Surestart School Limited before Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, with the judge slating December 8, 2025, for judgment.

Ita and Surestart School Ltd are standing trial on 25-count charges, bordering on criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering to the tune of N2bn.

The counsel to Ita, Paul Erokoro, SAN, called the attention of the court to his final address, dated December 10, 2014 and urged the court to dismiss the prosecution`s application and resolve the matter in favour of the defendant based on alleged claim of failure of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He stated again that “On the receipt of the prosecution`s final address, the first defendant filed a reply dated 13th June 2025 and I hereby adopt the reply on point of law as the first defendant’s answer to the issues raised by the first defendant’s final written address. Once again, we urge your lordship to discharge and acquit the first defendant and we want to add that the prosecution refunds the N19.5m paid to the EFCC so that she can pay the money back to the lenders,” he said

In response, prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN informed the court of his final written address of January 10, 2025, filed the same date, served and adopted on June 16, 2025 and urged the court to convict the defendant as the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He further drew the attention of the court to his written reply, stating, “If my lord finds the reply on the point of law to the prosecution’s final written address as an opportunity to re-argue issues canvassed in the main written address, consequently we urge your lordship to strike out their request”

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till December 8,2025, for delivery of judgment.

DSS Warns of Imminent ISWAP Attack in Ondo, Kogi States.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential memo to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and urged the Nigerian Army to intensify surveillance and security patrols across vulnerable areas.

Titled “Imminent attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,” the letter identified Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, as possible targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the DSS stated, adding that the terrorists had begun monitoring potential soft targets. 

The agency called for proactive measures and community vigilance to forestall any attacks.

Confirming the development, Ondo State Police spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were already acting on the intelligence. “That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” he said.

This alert comes three years after the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which left 41 worshippers dead and dozens injured. 

The suspects, believed to be ISWAP members, were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court nullifies LGAs election, sacks 13 APC chairmen, 171 councillors.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has nullified the local government and councillorship elections conducted in July 2024, which produced the current council chairmen and councillors across the state.

Recall that, the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) declared that the.

All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 13 chairmanship seats and all 171 ward councillorship positions in the local government elections held in July 2024 in Ebonyi State.

Justice Hillary Oshomah, who presided over the case, ruled that the elections failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the entire exercise invalid.

Elections Declared Void
In his judgement, Justice Oshomah declared the July 2024 local government and councillorship elections “null and void,” cancelling all outcomes and mandates arising from the poll.

The court stated that the process violated key constitutional requirements for free, fair, and credible elections.

EBSIEC and Government Restrained
The court also ordered the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the Ebonyi State Government—listed as the second and third respondents in the suit—not to conduct any future local government or councillorship elections unless they strictly adhere to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The judge emphasised that the sanctity of electoral laws must be upheld at all levels of governance to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.

Plaintiffs Applaud Ruling
The verdict followed a suit filed by the first plaintiff, Samuel Udeogu, represented by his counsel, Hamilton Ogbodo, and the second plaintiff, Mudi Erhenede.

Nigerian Federal Workers Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze Faces Court Trial In Ibadan For Leading Peaceful Protest.

They recalled that it was a collective decision of members of the forum to protest on July 1, 2025, if their demands were not met, stressing that such civic action should not be criminalised.

The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, is set to be charged at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday (today).

In a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, it was noted that the charge is to defend himself "against the four count charges brought against him by the Nigerian state through the DSS revolving around organising April 23, 2025 protest demanding for the payment of outstanding five months wage award, calling for protest in Aso rock gate on July 1st, 2025, formation of the Federal Workers Forum/ incitement and cyber bullying."

"Nigeria is not a banana republic. Protest cannot be a crime and the right to freedom of association is part of our fundamental human rights," the statement read in part.

He also appreciated "Comrade Femi Aborisade and the ABOPE Chambers for the free legal services."

"Comrade Femi Falana (SAN) has been of immense help in this battle. His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria spoke out loud against my detention by the DSS."

"Many more lawyers and the citizenry have also shown immense solidarity. The mass media, the civil society groups and many activist have not relented in calling for justice. I appreciate all the federal workers, friends and my family. I thank God for He has given us Victory," he further wrote.

"We shall overcome. We will not be silenced."

In September, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of court charges filed against its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, describing his arrest and detention as “a deliberate set up to silence the federal workers.”

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

Protesters Defy Court Order, Vow to Storm Presidential Villa.

According to report by Punch on Monday, October 20, 2025, tensions are mounting in Abuja as security forces prepare for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters, who plan to march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday) to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This comes despite an interim injunction by the Federal High Court in Abuja restricting demonstrations near sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.

The organisers, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, have vowed to proceed with what they describe as a peaceful protest, both in Abuja and across the South-East.

Damilare Adenola, the group’s Director of Mobilisation, maintained that the march is a constitutional right and a stand against the government’s “illegal and inhumane” actions.

Kanu remains in detention facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. His 2021 re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria continue to spark legal and political debates. While critics view his detention as politically motivated, the government insists it is lawful prosecution.

The protest’s timing, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, has heightened government anxiety. Organisers, however, insist that they have informed the police and expect them to provide security rather than clamp down on protesters.

Over 115 lawyers, medical staff, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the march.

The movement has received broad political support, with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi backing calls for Kanu’s release and urging dialogue instead of repression.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert Ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstration could cause disruptions, roadblocks, and possible violence. It urged Americans in Abuja to avoid protest zones and limit movement across the city.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest is expected to take place on Monday, October 20th, 2025. There may be traffic congestion, road closures, and potential confrontations between protesters and police near Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read.

The embassy also advised residents to take extra precautions, recommending that children stay home from school and domestic workers who travel from outside Abuja not report to work that day.

The alert follows the announcement by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed on October 9 via X (formerly Twitter) that the peaceful protest would be held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Sowore described the planned demonstration as a “historic” call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.