Nigeria is on edge as the nation braces for a major nationwide demonstration demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, gathering momentum across states and supported by opposition figures and civic groups, seeks to draw attention to what organisers describe as a long-standing case of political persecution.
Kanu, who has been in detention since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021, faces charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. The Federal Government accuses him of using Radio Biafra and social media to promote separatist ideologies and incite violence. IPOB was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 2017. While officials insist his prosecution follows due process, supporters argue that his prolonged detention, despite multiple court orders granting him bail, represents a clear violation of judicial authority and human rights.
The demonstration, which coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, has heightened tensions nationwide. Security agencies are on alert amid growing fears that the march could escalate into unrest.
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, granted an interim injunction restraining protesters from converging near sensitive government institutions. The order, obtained by the Nigeria Police Force, bars demonstrations around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of a substantive motion on Monday.
However, organisers, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, vowed to proceed with the protest, arguing that they had not been officially served with the court order. Their counsel, Maxwell Opara, confirmed awareness of the case but maintained that no formal notice had been received. He stressed that the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed and that the police should focus on ensuring security, not suppressing lawful dissent. “Peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed, and the Presidential Villa remains a symbolic place for Nigerians to express their grievances,” Opara said.
One of the conveners, identified simply as Adenola, insisted there would be no retreat, declaring that the movement was about defending citizens’ freedoms and the rule of law. “Nothing shall discourage us. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. This struggle is about defending our freedoms and the rule of law,” he said.
Sowore revealed that more than 115 lawyers, medical personnel, and journalists had been mobilised nationwide to provide legal and humanitarian support during the protests. Describing the mobilisation as one of the most extensive civic efforts in recent years, he said coordination was ongoing across states, marketplaces, religious centres, and diaspora groups. “We have national mobilisation from markets to religious institutions and meetings with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora groups. Expect a large, disciplined turnout in Abuja and coordinated actions across states and embassies worldwide,” Sowore said.
The campaign has received significant political backing, with several opposition leaders expressing solidarity. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi both called for dialogue over confrontation. Obi reiterated his long-standing belief that negotiation, not detention, is the sustainable solution to separatist agitations. “There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place. I believe in consultation and dialogue with all groups. That’s the only way forward,” he said.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, global coordinator of the Obidient Movement, reaffirmed Obi’s stance, emphasising fairness and equity for all Nigerians. Similarly, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson urged the government to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest. The Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, accused the government of hypocrisy, noting that while separatists are prosecuted, bandits in the North “who have committed far worse atrocities” are often engaged in negotiations. He argued that such double standards have damaged Nigeria’s international image, citing even a Ghanaian traditional ruler who described Nigeria’s justice system as “primitive and unjust.”
Within Kanu’s legal team, opinions are divided. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Onyechi Ikpeazu said his focus remains strictly on court proceedings, insisting that a presidential pardon would be premature since Kanu has not been convicted. Another lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, however, voiced strong support for the protest, declaring his intention to join personally. “It is the civic and constitutional right of Nigerians to protest. I will be joining the protest,” he said, though he declined to confirm whether Kanu had endorsed the action.
Meanwhile, security agencies have stepped up surveillance and deployment across major cities. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against vandalism or violence during the protests. FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu confirmed that officers had been stationed at strategic locations to protect lives and property, stating, “The corps respects the right to peaceful protest but will not tolerate violence or destruction. Any attempt to hijack the protest will be met with full legal consequences.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) declared all prison facilities nationwide as “Red Zones,” warning citizens to stay away during the demonstrations. NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar said the directive aims to prevent any breach of security or attempted jailbreaks. “Correctional centres are restricted areas. Anyone without official business should stay off to avoid any untoward incident,” he cautioned.
With emotions running high and both the government and protesters standing firm, today’s march could become one of the most defining tests of Nigeria’s democracy—pitting citizens’ right to dissent against the state’s duty to maintain order.
