Activist Omoyele Sowore has insisted that the planned protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, will go ahead as scheduled on Monday in Abuja, despite a court order and police warning.

Mr Sowore, who described the planned action as a peaceful protest, said it has already attracted global attention, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) serving as the ‘centre of gravity’ for the demonstrations.

His declaration comes after the Nigeria Police Force cautioned agitators against staging any protest around Aso Rock, the nation’s seat of power.

Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin had explained that the warning followed an order of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, which restrained any protest activities within the Aso Rock vicinity. 

Addressing journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Sowore maintained that the protest would proceed, arguing that the continued detention of Mr Kanu by the State Security Services (SSS) was illegal and in defiance of the rule of law.

“We are here to let Nigerians and the world know that this action is going on as planned across the world. The centre of gravity will be Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where Mr Nnamdi Kanu is currently detained by the DSS,” Mr Sowore said at a news conference. 

He also faulted the federal government for ignoring the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which discharged and acquitted Mr Kanu, describing his prolonged incarceration as an affront to judicial authority and a violation of fundamental rights.

Mr Sowore also dismissed the police injunction restraining the protest, claiming it had expired and was no longer valid.

“The law is clear. Mr Kanu’s detention is unlawful and unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal cleared him in 2022, yet he remains in custody. This is unacceptable in any democracy,” he said.

The activist added that although the Supreme Court later heard certain aspects of the case, it did not overturn the appellate court’s decision that declared Mr Kanu’s rendition unlawful and his bail conditions unviolated.

“No one should be tried for an offence for which they have already been discharged and acquitted. That’s double jeopardy, and it’s prohibited under the law,” he stated.

Mr Sowore further argued that the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013, under which Mr Kanu is being prosecuted, has become obsolete and cannot lawfully be used against him.

“You cannot try anyone under a law that no longer exists. That law is dead and buried.”

Emphasising that the movement transcends the IPOB leader’s case, Mr Sowore noted that it symbolises the struggle for justice, dignity, and freedom for all Nigerians.

“This movement is not just about Nnamdi Kanu; it’s about every Nigerian’s right to justice, dignity, and freedom. When the state violates one citizen’s rights, it threatens everyone’s liberty,” he said.

He assured that the protest would be peaceful and lawful, urging authorities to comply with court rulings.

“Our demand is clear: to obey the law, enforce the judgment, and release Nnamdi Kanu. We will march peacefully, powerfully, and lawfully. 

“At the end of this protest, we hope that common sense and justice will prevail,” Mr Sowore declared.