By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced that 115 lawyers are on standby to provide legal defense and protection for participants in the upcoming #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.
Sowore, who made the announcement across his social media platforms on Friday, October 17, said the move is to ensure that every participant in the “peaceful and lawful” demonstration is protected from arbitrary arrest or intimidation by security agencies.
“Every participant in this peaceful, lawful march will be supported; no one will stand alone!” Sowore declared. “We are determined to defend the constitutional rights of every Nigerian who chooses to stand for justice and freedom.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, convened by Sowore, is expected to take place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with demonstrators marching towards the Aso Rock Presidential Villa to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has remained in custody despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
Sowore, known for his bold activism and consistent defense of civil rights, emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful but firm in its demand for justice.
“We are not waging war against the Nigerian state; we are simply exercising our rights as citizens. Peaceful protest is not a crime. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and expression, and we intend to uphold it,” he said.
The activist also confirmed that the legal team—comprising seasoned human rights lawyers, public defenders, and volunteer attorneys from across Nigeria—will coordinate with protest organizers to provide immediate legal aid to any detained participants.
According to sources close to the movement, the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow coalition has gained momentum across various Nigerian states and among diaspora supporters. Civil society organizations, student groups, and regional activists have reportedly expressed interest in joining the nationwide call.
READ ALSO:How Pasuma’s Boys Took Over Fuji — And Why He Still Rules the Game
Political observers say the planned march could reignite conversations around freedom of expression, government accountability, and the handling of politically sensitive cases in Nigeria.
One human rights lawyer, Barrister Nwafor, who confirmed his participation in the legal defense team, told The Merit Newspaper:
“No Nigerian should be criminalized for demanding justice or the rule of law. The constitution is clear about the rights of citizens to peaceful protest. What Sowore and his team are doing is a patriotic act of solidarity.”
As preparations intensify, security analysts have urged both the government and organizers to prioritize peace and dialogue, warning against heavy-handed tactics that could escalate tensions.
Meanwhile, Sowore reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the protest remains non-violent and lawful, calling on the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to “respect citizens’ rights and act professionally.”
“The days of intimidation and fear are over,” he added. “This movement is about freedom, justice, and the future of Nigeria.”
READ ALSO:Love in Melody: Bullion Records’ Artiste Harcher Drops ‘Your Wedding Day’ to Celebrate Eternal Union
The October 20 protest will mark one of the most significant public mobilizations since Sowore’s earlier #RevolutionNow campaign, once again testing Nigeria’s democratic tolerance and the government’s response to dissent.
