Tension is mounting in Abuja as organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest vowed to proceed with their planned march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday), despite security warnings and a court injunction banning demonstrations near key government institutions. The protesters are demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday issued an interim order restraining the group from protesting around sensitive areas such as the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Eagle Square. The order followed an application by the Nigeria Police Force, citing security concerns. However, organisers under the Take It Back Movement, led by rights activist Omoyele Sowore, insist that peaceful assembly remains a constitutional right.

The group’s Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, reaffirmed that nothing would stop the planned march, describing it as a peaceful exercise protected by law. Their lawyer, Maxwell Opara, also maintained that no formal court order had been served on the organisers and that the police had been duly notified to provide protection, not obstruction.

Sowore disclosed that over 115 lawyers, medics, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the movement, adding that the campaign had gained massive traction across markets, religious centres, and diaspora communities. The protest coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, heightening security tension in the Federal Capital Territory.

The protest has also attracted wide political backing. Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have urged the Federal Government to free Kanu and embrace dialogue. Obi maintained that negotiation remains the most effective path to resolving separatist agitations, saying, “There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place.”

Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya, faces charges bordering on terrorism, treason, and incitement. While some view his detention as political persecution, others argue that he must be held accountable for promoting divisive rhetoric through Radio Biafra and other platforms.

Security agencies have deployed personnel across Abuja to prevent violence. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against vandalism or disruption, stressing that while peaceful protests are allowed, any attempt to hijack the rally would be met with legal consequences. Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) declared all correctional centres as “Red Zones,” warning the public to steer clear of prison facilities.

Within Kanu’s legal team, opinions are split. Senior Advocate Onyechi Ikpeazu said his focus remains on court proceedings, while Aloy Ejimakor publicly endorsed the rally, calling it a legitimate civic right. As the nation braces for the protest, observers watch to see whether it will remain peaceful or spark another confrontation between citizens and security forces.