Omoyele Sowore protest defies court order as he urges Nigerians to march for Nnamdi Kanu’s release in a peaceful, lawful nationwide demonstration

Omoyele Sowore protest call has ignited a fresh wave of civil resistance in Nigeria, as the human rights activist and former presidential candidate defied a court injunction to lead a nationwide demonstration demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

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Early Monday, Sowore took to X (formerly Twitter), urging citizens across the country to “carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement,” in peaceful protest against what he described as the Nigerian government’s double standards on freedom of expression.

The planned protest — tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — is scheduled for October 20, and will see demonstrators converge in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, from 7 a.m. Sowore, known for his unwavering defiance of state restrictions, described the protest as a “lawful and powerful” call to justice.

His online messages welcomed participants travelling from across Nigeria, celebrating their courage and unity. “Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.

However, the march comes in open defiance of a Federal High Court order issued by Justice Mohammed Umar, which temporarily bans protests near key government institutions in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa and National Assembly.

Sowore, responding to the injunction, questioned its legitimacy and the perceived inconsistency of law enforcement.

He highlighted that pro-government demonstrators had faced no legal opposition while protesting against Kanu’s release.

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he stated, announcing that his legal team of over 100 lawyers would challenge the order in court.

The timing of the protest carries symbolic weight. October 20 also marks five years since the start of the #EndSARS demonstrations — a nationwide movement against police brutality that shook Nigeria to its core.

Sowore’s latest call echoes similar themes of justice, resistance, and reform.

Despite legal pressure, the Omoyele Sowore protest continues to draw attention both online and offline, with citizens encouraged to mobilise peacefully in the spirit of democratic activism.