Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has reaffirmed that the planned peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will be held as scheduled in Abuja on Monday
He insisted that the court injunction obtained by the police has expired and is no longer valid.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Sowore said the demonstration would proceed on Monday as part of a global campaign taking place simultaneously in other parts of the world.
He explained that Abuja would serve as the focal point because it is where Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services despite a standing judgment of the Court of Appeal that discharged and acquitted him.
“We are here to let Nigerians and the world know that this action is going on as planned across the world,” Sowore said. “The centre of gravity will be Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where Mr. Nnamdi Kanu is currently detained by the DSS.
“The law,” he said “is very clear. Mr. Kanu’s detention is unlawful and unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal cleared him in 2022, yet he remains in custody. This is unacceptable in any democracy.”
He described the continued detention of Kanu as a violation of the rule of law and an affront to judicial authority. “The Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him, and that decision remains final.
“Yet, he has not been released even for a moment. This defiance of the court’s judgment amounts to pure contempt,” he stated.
Sowore added that even though the Supreme Court later entertained an aspect of the case, it did not overturn the appellate court’s decision that Kanu was unlawfully renditioned and that he never violated his bail conditions.
“No one should be tried for an offence for which they have already been discharged and acquitted. That’s double jeopardy, and it’s prohibited under the law,” he said.
He argued further that the law under which Kanu is being prosecuted — the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013 — has become obsolete and cannot be used against him. According to him, “You cannot try anyone under a law that no longer exists. That law is dead and buried.
“This movement is not just about Nnamdi Kanu; it’s about every Nigerian’s right to justice, dignity and freedom. When the state violates one citizen’s rights, it threatens everyone’s liberty,” he insisted.
On reports of a court order stopping the protest, Sowore clarified that there was no valid injunction restraining the organisers. “The police went to court on Friday seeking an order to stop the protest,” he said.
He explained that, “The judge refused to issue such an order, stating clearly that Nigerians cannot be stopped from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. What was granted was a limited order restricting access to certain areas.”
He said the order had since lapsed because it was never served on the organisers. “The judge stated that the defendants must be served by Friday. We have not been served. By law, an ex parte order that is not served cannot take effect.
“Therefore, it has expired. We are proceeding with our peaceful and lawful protest,” Sowore declared.
He also confirmed that the organisers had met with the Federal Capital Territory Police Command ahead of the protest. “We went to the police on Thursday to clarify our position,” he explained.
“They acknowledged our visit. We also heard that the new FCT Commissioner of Police has been given a directive to act tough, but we remind him that the Nigeria Police Force is not a private militia of any political interest. His duty is to protect citizens, not to suppress peaceful protesters.”
Reacting to comments by a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) who questioned the association’s role in declaring Kanu fit for trial, Sowore said, “The NMA should focus on professional ethics and the defence of human rights. The association must remain neutral and not appear to side with political interests.”
Sowore reassured that the protest would be peaceful and aimed at upholding justice, pointing out, “Our demand is clear — obey the law, enforce the judgment, and release Nnamdi Kanu.
“We will march peacefully, powerfully, and lawfully. At the end of this protest, we hope that common sense and justice will prevail,” he said.
