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#FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters defy court order, vow to march on Aso Rock.
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Security agencies deploy nationwide amid rising tension.
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Opposition leaders back protest, urge dialogue over Kanu’s detention.
There are strong indications of a possible clash between security agencies and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today, as organisers insist on marching to the Presidential Villa despite a Federal High Court order restraining them.
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, on Friday, granted an interim injunction filed by the Nigeria Police Force, barring the protesters from converging around sensitive government areas including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, protest organisers led by Omoyele Sowore and Damilare Adenola of the Take It Back Movement said the nationwide rally would proceed as planned in Abuja and major cities. They maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and vowed not to be intimidated.
The protesters are demanding the immediate release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who faces charges of treason and terrorism. His continued detention since his controversial 2021 extradition from Kenya has drawn national and international criticism.
Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have endorsed the protest, urging the Federal Government to embrace dialogue instead of suppression. Obi stated that negotiation, not force, remains the path to resolving separatist tensions.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed operatives across Abuja to prevent violence. FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu warned protesters against vandalism or destruction of public property, adding that any lawlessness would be met with firm response.
Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service declared all custodial centres “Red Zones,” warning against attempts to breach restricted facilities during the protests.
Despite these warnings, organisers say the protest will go ahead peacefully, with over 100 lawyers, medics, and media teams mobilised to support participants.
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