Sowore Pushes Lawmakers to Act on Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom Ahead of October 20 Protest

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has revealed that he held talks with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, over the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.Sowore made this known on Sunday through his X handle while speaking about efforts to secure Kanu’s release ahead of the nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for October 20.

According to him, he urged the lawmakers to convene an emergency session of the House to push for a formal resolution demanding that President Bola Tinubu order Kanu’s release.He disclosed that Speaker Abbas declined to table the issue officially, stating that the case was still before the court.

However, the Speaker reportedly assured Sowore of private discussions with members of the House, including Abia lawmaker Obi Aguocha, to explore possible political solutions.

Abbas also hinted that he had previously reached out to the Department of State Services (DSS) over the case.Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu confirmed that conversations were ongoing between the presidency and lawmakers on a potential resolution but admitted that legal proceedings had slowed progress.

Sowore interpreted this as an excuse for inaction.Meanwhile, the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), led by its president, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, announced full support for the planned protest.

The group said it would mobilize women across the South-East and other regions to join the demonstration, describing Kanu’s prolonged detention as unjust and a test of the nation’s conscience.

The October 20 protest, organized by Sowore and backed by civil society groups, aims to increase pressure on the government to release Nnamdi Kanu, whose case has remained one of Nigeria’s most divisive political and legal issues.