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US Embassy warns citizens ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
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Americans urged to avoid Eagle Square, CBD, and limit city movements.
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Protest led by Sowore seeks Kanu’s release amid ongoing court trial.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of a planned protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the protest, organised under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw large crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District. The demonstration was announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who described it as a peaceful march aimed at securing the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on October 9, stated, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am.”
Kanu, who has been facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has remained in custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, the US Embassy warned that the protest could cause traffic disruptions and potential violence. It advised Americans in Abuja to avoid the protest locations and limit their movement across the city on the scheduled date.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District. The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read.
The Embassy further recommended that children stay home from school and that domestic staff commuting from outside Abuja refrain from reporting to work that day.
It urged Americans in Nigeria to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and monitor local news updates.
The statement also advised: “Review your personal security plans and keep your phone charged in case of emergency. Avoid areas where protests are taking place, and exercise caution in public places such as shopping centres, movie theatres, and places of worship.”
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