The Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Security have placed their officers, particularly in the nation’s capital, on red alert to resist protesters planning to march to the seat of power in Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
The protesters, expected to be led by the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former Presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, are demanding for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Checks by our correspondent on Sunday showed that security operatives have started mounting roadblocks in some strategic places that lead to the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal area, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
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Speaking on Sunday at a press briefing ahead of the demonstrations billed to be held around the Presidential Villa, Sowore maintained that there was no going back on the planned protest to demand Kanu’s release, arguing that they have rights to protest as Nigerians.
Daily Trust reports that Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge on terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the federal government has yet to comply, a situation that continues to stir public outrage and renewed agitation.
Addressing journalists on the matter, Sowore explained that his grouse and that of many Nigerians was the continuous disobedience of court orders by the federal government and the flouting of the Nigerian constitution they pledged to protect.
He said, “We are here to let people know that this action will go on as planned across the world as a matter of fact, but the centre of gravity would be Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where Mr Nnamdi Kanu is currently unlawfully and unjustly detained by the State Security Services also known as the DSS.
“Mr Kanu’s detention is not just illegal but also a national disgrace. The government is disobeying its own court and mocking the Nigerian constitution (1999 constitution) which they subscribe to.
“The truth, which they want the world to know, is that the Court of Appeal cleared Mr Kanu in 2022, and he was discharged and acquitted, and despite his discharge and acquittal, the DSS never released him even for a second in disobedience of the Court of Appeal position.
“That was pure contempt, and it has always been their tradition to defy the rule of law which they claim they subscribe to. The Supreme Court, of course, did take over the case erroneously. It is a twisted justice reversing of the decision that had already been taken by the competent court of jurisdiction.
“Even at that, the Supreme Court said Mr Kanu never violated his bail condition, and that it was the Nigerian Army that caused the confusion, and you know double jeopardy is also a crime. Nobody, under the law, should be tried for an offence he has been discharged and acquitted for.”
Protect protesters, respect constitutional rights, Sowore tells FCT CP
Meanwhile, Sowore specifically called on the new FCT police boss not to adopt a heavy-handed approach to the demonstration, saying every police officer should refuse any order that would violate protesters’ rights and to ensure the safety of demonstrators.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long.
“We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly,” Sowore earlier wrote in a statement shared on his page.
Don’t move close to Aso Rock, police warn protesters
However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, directed his men to be on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of the court order barring the protesters from holding demonstrations near or around the Presidential Villa.
Egbetokun, in a statement by the Force Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, also ordered all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments across strategic locations in Abuja to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“This follows the subsisting Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, given on 17th October, 2025, by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.
“The order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
“In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups — whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
“The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings. The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.
“However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned. The Court’s intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms.
“Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.
“Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.
“Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.
“Those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.
“All organisers and participants are therefore advised to: Avoid the restricted areas specified by the Court; Refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law; and Channel grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.”
How to resolve FG, Kanu’s face-off – Expert
Weighing in, a security sector reform expert, Okechukwu Nwanguma, explained that researches have shown that handling agitators with repressive hands make them more hardened rather than soften their heart.
Nwanguma, who is the Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), in a chat with Daily Trust stressed that brute force hardly solves issues when it comes to demonstration and agitations.
Drawing from past experience, he said, “IPOB did not emerge in a vacuum. It evolved from earlier non-violent groups such as MASSOB, movements that drew legitimacy from widespread feelings of exclusion and injustice in post-war Nigeria.
“Initially, IPOB mobilized peacefully – protesting marginalization, police brutality, and poor governance. But from around 2012, as state repression intensified, the group’s rhetoric and tactics hardened.”
Way forward
Speaking further, Nwanguma said Nigeria must break the vicious cycle of repression and retaliation, and that the following steps are urgent.
“Release Nnamdi Kanu or resolve his case through dialogue and due process. Continuing to defy court orders undermines the rule of law and fuels resentment.
“Demilitarize the South East. Replace soldiers with community policing, intelligence-led investigations, and engagement with credible local actors.
“Address root causes – youth unemployment, poverty, and the perception of political exclusion. End the collective punishment of Igbo communities and arbitrary labeling of young people as terrorists.
“Investigate and sanction abuses by security forces, and prosecute criminal elements exploiting the agitation. Peace in the South East will not come from brute force or endless detentions. It will come from justice, inclusion, and dialogue.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s case is not merely a legal matter – it is the test of Nigeria’s capacity for reconciliation and statecraft. The Federal Government must recognize that suppressing symptoms without curing the disease only prolongs instability.
“Releasing Kanu under a political arrangement – anchored on justice and peace-building – will not weaken the state; it will strengthen it by reaffirming its humanity and legitimacy.
“Nigeria must choose dialogue over domination, inclusion over impunity, and healing over humiliation. That is the only path toward lasting peace in the South East.”
