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Sowore warns #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest may escalate if demands ignored
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Accuses police of tear gassing protesters at multiple locations
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Says protesters only demand fair treatment and citizens’ rights
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has cautioned that the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja could spiral out of control if the Federal Government continues to detain the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking to journalists during the protest on Monday, Sowore said the government’s refusal to heed calls for Kanu’s release was heightening public anger and could soon lead to a national crisis.
He accused security operatives of repeatedly firing teargas at peaceful demonstrators, noting that despite the intimidation, protesters had remained resolute in their demand for justice.
“When we went to Transcorp, they tear gassed us; we relocated to Utako, they tear gassed us again, and we moved to Apo,” Sowore said. “Apo had the biggest turnout so far, and that shows you that very soon, this will get out of hand if they don’t do something about releasing Nnamdi Kanu.”
Sowore clarified that the protest was not aimed at promoting violence but was a peaceful demand for citizens’ rights and fair treatment.
He said, “Nobody can stop this spirit that has been awakened, and that is to ensure that we bring our brother home. We are not threatening violence; we are only saying that Nigerians deserve to be treated as citizens. If you don’t want Nigerians to be citizens in their own country, then let those who wish to go, go.”
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021. The IPOB leader is facing charges of treason, terrorism, and incitement over his alleged role in advocating for the secession of the South-East region through Radio Biafra and other platforms.
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