There are strong indications of a possible confrontation between security forces and members of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, as the protesters insist on marching to the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, Monday, despite a Federal High Court order restricting their movement.
The protest, aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has continued to gather national attention and political backing.
According to organisers, the demonstration will hold in the Federal Capital Territory as well as in parts of the South-East. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, said the plan remains unchanged. “Nothing shall discourage us! Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutionally guaranteed right,” he declared.
The march, however, violates an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the organisers — led by activist Omoyele Sowore — from protesting near key national institutions, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
Okay News reports that the injunction followed an ex parte motion filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of the Federal Government. The order is to remain valid pending the hearing of a substantive motion scheduled for today.
Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, stated that his clients had not been served any order and would proceed with their peaceful assembly. “We have notified the police, and they will come and provide security. We don’t want miscreants to take advantage of the protest,” Opara said.
Adenola accused security agencies of often being responsible for clashes during demonstrations. “Protesters are always coordinated in this country; it is the police who usually disrupt this peace,” he alleged, adding that lawyers were on standby to assist anyone arrested.
Omoyele Sowore disclosed that over 115 lawyers, medical personnel, and journalists have been mobilised to support the nationwide demonstration. He said the mobilisation drive extended to marketplaces, religious centres, and meetings with prominent figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora groups.
Political leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have voiced their support for dialogue over continued detention. Obi said, “There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place. I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating.”
While some of Kanu’s lawyers endorsed the protest, others chose to focus on legal proceedings. Senior Advocate Onyechi Ikpeazu said his priority remained the courtroom process, while another counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed full support and confirmed his participation.
Security agencies, however, have increased vigilance in anticipation of the march. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps warned protesters against vandalising property, with FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu stressing that destruction or theft “in the name of protest” would not be tolerated.
Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service declared all correctional centres as “red zones,” warning that only authorised persons would be allowed entry. “Anyone without official business should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents,” said NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar.
Despite the tension, the organisers maintain that their protest will remain peaceful as they demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose detention continues to divide opinion across the country.
