Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on well meaning Nigerians to join the #freeNnamdiKanuNow protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

This is in defiance of an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained Sowore and other organisers from protesting in or around sensitive government areas, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Despite the court order, Sowore has refused to back down.

He had questioned the legitimacy of the court and accused it of hypocrisy adding that his legal team of 115 lawyers would challenge the court order on Monday once it is legally served.

According to him; “Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?.

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore called on citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest.

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

On Sunday night, the activist had shared a message welcoming participants to the protest

“We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and wide to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.

He added that protesters would converge in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 7 am, urging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.”

At the time filing this report, the 20th October protest is currently taking place at the Maitama area of Abuja, as a joint detachment of defence and security operatives has forcefully dispersed them.

The protesters, which included Sowore, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, Nandi Kanu’s brother and others had gathered around the Nigeria Communications Commission NCC headquarters in Maitama, chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” when heavily armed police men started firing at them.

In a video of the protest seen by NEWSMAXNG, the protesters were heard cautioning the police against tear-gassing them when the officers started firing gunshots.

In the video, the protest leader, Sowore, would be seen running for his life along side others.

The initially planned peaceful demonstration which seems to be going sour also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of 20th October 2020.