Sowore Announces October 20 For Protest Demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has announced October 20 as the date for a protest march calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Omoyele Sowore shared the news on his X page, describing the demonstration as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

The activist emphasized that the protest would be peaceful and conducted within the law.

He wrote, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am.”

On Wednesday, Sowore urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to participate.

He called on notable figures including Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia Governor Alex Otti, and Peter Obi to join in person, saying words alone were not enough.

“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person.

“Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk,” he added.

Sowore added that he personally reached out to several leaders, including Soludo, Otti, Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. While some did not respond immediately, others showed interest and support.

He also coordinated with members of the Abia State House of Assembly, who planned to visit the Attorney General before heading to Abuja.

“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo, and Mr @PeterObi (through his team) today. Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. @PeterObi about our plans, although he is currently travelling. I also reached out to Alhaji @AtikuAbubakar through his team, while Senator @SenatorAbaribe said he would return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging.

“The Abia State House of Assembly members informed me that they plan to travel to London next week and then return directly to Abuja for further action. They mentioned they intend to visit the Attorney General of the Federation first to lodge a complaint; they didn’t anticipate a “placard” protest. I told them, that’s fine; what matters most is that we agree on a unified date for action.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later,” he wrote.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest in 2021 following his extradition from Kenya.

Despite multiple court orders for his release, the Federal Government has not complied, prompting criticism from rights groups and politicians.

He faces charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, all of which he has denied.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal acquitted him, ruling that his extradition violated international law.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently adjourned Nnamdi Kanu’s trial of Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism-related charges until October 16.