Protesters Defy Court Order, Plan march to Aso Villa for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

A major confrontation may occur today between security agencies and protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as organisers proceed with their plan to march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja despite a court order stopping the demonstration.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an interim order restricting the protesters from gathering near the Villa, the National Assembly, and other key government buildings. The order followed an application by the Nigeria Police Force, which warned that such protests around sensitive areas could disrupt public order.

However, organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement insisted that the protest would hold as planned. The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, confirmed that demonstrations would take place in Abuja and across several states in the South-East.

The movement’s legal team said it had not been served any court documents, maintaining that the protest was a lawful act of civic expression.The protest, which calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu, has gained support from opposition figures and civil society groups.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have both urged the government to engage in dialogue rather than continue detaining Kanu.Kanu has been in custody facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement.

He was first arrested in 2015 and later fled Nigeria after being granted bail. In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya and returned to Nigeria, an event that triggered widespread debate over the legality of his extradition.

Organisers of the protest, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, said their aim is to pressure the government to release Kanu and uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

Over 100 lawyers, medical professionals, and media personnel have reportedly been mobilised to support participants in case of arrests or emergencies.

Security agencies have already increased their presence across Abuja, particularly around major landmarks such as the Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, and the National Assembly complex.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps warned protesters against vandalism or any act that could lead to violence, promising to protect lives and property while ensuring the demonstration remains peaceful.

In preparation for possible unrest, the Nigerian Correctional Service declared all correctional facilities across the country as restricted areas, warning the public to stay away from prison zones during the protest to prevent security breaches.The march coincides with the fifth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS protest, raising concerns among authorities about potential unrest.

Despite warnings from law enforcement agencies, the organisers insist that the demonstration will be peaceful and that citizens have a constitutional right to express their grievances.

As the nation awaits the outcome of today’s planned march, tension remains high in the Federal Capital Territory, with security operatives stationed at strategic points to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order.