There may be a confrontation between security agencies and the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today (Monday), following the organizer’s plan to march to the Presidential Villa to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
This comes as the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order restraining the organisers from protesting near the Villa, the National Assembly, and other major government institutions.
Despite the legal restriction, the organisers have remained resolute, insisting on their plan for a peaceful convergence in the Federal Capital Territory and a march to Aso Rock Villa.
The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, confirmed that the protest would proceed as scheduled, both in Abuja and simultaneously across the South-Eastern states.
The nationwide demonstration calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader has received the backing of opposition parties.
Kanu is currently facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement, among others. The Federal Government accuses him of advocating Biafra’s independence through controversial methods, including inflammatory comments on social media and Radio Biafra.
IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017. Kanu fled Nigeria that same year while on bail but was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021, leading to a contentious extradition that sparked legal and diplomatic debates.
Opinions remain divided—while some argue that his detention amounts to political persecution, others view it as lawful prosecution.
Kanu’s health condition has also stirred controversy, though a recent medical assessment found him fit to stand trial.
The Federal Government is reportedly uneasy about the rally, as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest, which ended in the alleged Lekki massacre.
When asked if the protesters still planned to march to the seat of power, Adenola said, “Nothing shall discourage us! Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutionally guaranteed right. Nothing can derogate it,” Adenola stated. “There is no going back on our resolve to fight this inhumane, illegal and strongman act scripted to promote the erosion of our rights, and the capture of whatever remains of our criminal justice system.”
The organisers’ plan to march on the Presidential Villa directly violates an interim injunction granted by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The order, issued on Friday, followed an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of the Federal Government.
The ruling specifically restrained the organisers, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, from protesting in or around sensitive government locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The order remains valid pending the hearing of the substantive motion scheduled for today.
Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, acknowledged reports of the suit but said on Sunday that no such order had been served on them.
He insisted that the march to the seat of government was vital to allow citizens direct engagement with their leaders, adding that even the Presidential Villa should serve as a symbolic venue for free expression of grievances.
He also stated that the organisers had duly notified the police of the protest, noting that his clients were yet to be served the court order.
“We have notified them, and they will come and provide security — that’s what they are expected to do. We don’t want miscreants to take advantage of the protest. I learnt that they went to court, but we have not seen the order. They are asking the court to stop the protesters from going to the Villa or the National Assembly.”
Responding to claims by Sowore about an alleged police plan to suppress protesters, Adenola placed full responsibility for maintaining peace on the security forces.
“The truth is that protesters are always coordinated in this country; it is the police who usually disrupt this peace,” he argued.
“The police are the ones who should ensure that they don’t provoke protesters. They should abide by the laws and rather protect protesters.”
He further revealed that the organisers had arranged for a “large number of lawyers on standby” to assist protesters who might be arrested or detained.
Sowore told Wizopa on Sunday that over 115 lawyers, medical workers, and journalists had been mobilised to support the nationwide demonstrations.
He said mobilisation for the rally had gained widespread momentum, with outreach extending to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile meetings — including sessions with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora organisations.
“Mobilisation is very strong, national mobilisation that took us to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile meetings, including with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora interests, multiple state teams activated, people flying in, and many local convergences already organised.
“The legal team (115 lawyers), medics, and media teams are in place. Expect a large, disciplined turnout in Abuja and coordinated actions in multiple states and Nigerian embassies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the protest has drawn broad public support and major backing from opposition figures, making it one of the most politically charged demonstrations since the start of the current administration.
The nationwide march has been endorsed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who have both urged the Federal Government to opt for dialogue over Kanu’s continued detention.
Obi reiterated that there was “no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place,” stressing that negotiation remains the best way to address separatist tensions.
“I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there,” he declared, commending the efforts of Sowore and other advocates.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, reaffirmed Obi’s commitment to fairness and equality for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, asserted that peaceful protest is a legitimate democratic right that must be protected.
The Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Tony Akeni, however, accused the Federal Government of hypocrisy, alleging a double standard in its handling of cases.
Akeni claimed that the government had lost moral credibility by prosecuting Kanu while negotiating with bandits who have “committed far worse atrocities” in the North.
He warned that this inconsistency had drawn international criticism, citing the reported interest of a Ghanaian traditional ruler in joining the protests as evidence of Nigeria “living in a savage, stone-age system of injustice.”
While political support continues to grow, Kanu’s legal team appears divided over the protest.
Senior Counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) maintained that although he would not oppose citizens’ right to demonstrate, his professional focus remained on the judicial process.
“As a lawyer in the matter, we are focused on the court proceedings and cannot take the case outside the courtroom,” Ikpeazu explained. “My inclination at this stage is to concentrate on the court proceedings.”
He also rejected suggestions for a presidential pardon, pointing out that such clemency applies only to convicted persons, which Kanu is not.
In contrast, another member of Kanu’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor, openly supported the protest and confirmed his participation.
“I endorsed the protest fully because it is the civic and constitutional right of Nigerians to protest. I am Nigerian; I will be joining the protest,” Ejimakor stated.
However, he clarified that he could not confirm whether Kanu himself had approved or commented on the protest, as he had not discussed the matter with the IPOB leader.
As the nation braces for the protests, security agencies have been placed on alert, deploying personnel and issuing strict warnings to prevent violence and property damage.
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned protesters against vandalising public or private property.
FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, warned that the corps would not tolerate any destruction or theft “in the name of protest.”
“The corps will not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.
“We are prepared, as always, to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to infrastructure and the peace in the territory,” he stated.
Odumosu confirmed the deployment of officers from specialised units and area commands across strategic locations and potential flashpoints in Abuja to ensure public safety and protect vital infrastructure.
He stressed that while the corps respected the right to peaceful protest, any attempt to hijack the demonstration for criminal acts would face full legal consequences.
Nevertheless, he instructed officers to exercise restraint and adopt a non-kinetic approach to managing crowds.
Adding to the tension, the Nigerian Correctional Service has declared all correctional facilities nationwide as “Red Zones” ahead of the march.
NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, warned the public that all correctional centres remain restricted areas and urged anyone without official business to stay away “to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.”
“In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as red zones.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches,” a statement by the Spokesman read on Sunday.
Abubakar emphasised that any attempt to approach these restricted areas would be treated as a serious security threat.
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