Nnamdi Kanu protest intensifies as Sowore and activists vow to defy police and court orders, raising fears of a nationwide clash

Nnamdi Kanu protest tensions are escalating as the Nigeria Police Force and human rights activists brace for a possible confrontation over plans to hold a nationwide demonstration demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader.

Also read: Nnamdi Kanu’s wife blasts IPOB leader in leaked audio

Despite a court order restraining the protest, activist Omoyele Sowore and a coalition of civil society groups have vowed to proceed with the planned march on Monday, insisting that no valid legal restriction exists to stop citizens from exercising their rights.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered his officers to be on high alert and enforce the court injunction strictly.

Security deployments have already been intensified around key locations in Abuja, including Aso Rock Villa and the National Assembly.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, issued an interim injunction restraining Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, and others from holding or promoting the protest within the Federal Capital Territory.

The ruling, delivered by Justice M. G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force.

However, Sowore dismissed the injunction as a ploy to intimidate Nigerians. In multiple posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he described the order as “a fake ruling obtained in chambers” and reaffirmed that the Nnamdi Kanu protest would hold as planned.

“The protest date is sacrosanct; the movement is unstoppable,” he declared. In an interview, Sowore further stated, “There is no valid court order stopping the protest. What they claim to have is a protective order for a few areas, not a ban on peaceful assembly.”

The Director of Mobilisation for the movement, Damilare Adenola, echoed this stance, describing the upcoming protest as “massive.”

He said that organisers had been mobilising supporters across markets and public spaces for days, and millions were expected to join the march.

“We are not deterred by any purported order. Nigerians will march for freedom and justice,” Adenola said, demanding Kanu’s immediate release or trial in accordance with Section 36 of the Constitution.

Human rights advocates have also condemned the court’s intervention. Prince Nze, Executive Director of Human Rights & Justice, said the order was an attempt to suppress lawful dissent, adding, “If the President can pardon criminals, there’s no reason Nnamdi Kanu should still be in detention.”

Similarly, Hassan Taiwo of the Youth Rights Campaign criticised the government’s response as “undemocratic and reactionary,” arguing that citizens’ right to peaceful protest must be protected.

In a statement, Police spokesperson ACP Benjamin Hundeyin reaffirmed that while the Force respects citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, it would not allow any protest to threaten public safety or national security.

“Any person or group that uses the protest as a cover for violence or vandalism will be dealt with decisively,” he warned, assuring that police would ensure free flow of traffic and protection of lives and property.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.

His prolonged detention despite multiple court orders for his release continues to fuel public outrage, with the latest protest now threatening to ignite a major confrontation between activists and security forces.

Also read: Nnamdi Kanu: South-East youth leaders back protest

The Nnamdi Kanu protest has, therefore, become not just a call for justice but a test of Nigeria’s democratic tolerance and the limits of lawful dissent.