Human rights activist and convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, Omoyele Sowore, has visited the 13 individuals arrested during Monday’s peaceful protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The visit took place at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where Sowore met with Barrister Aloy Ejimakor (Kanu’s lawyer), Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and other detained protesters.
Protest Disrupted by Security Operatives
The peaceful protest, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, was aimed at drawing national attention to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, despite several court rulings ordering his release.
However, the demonstration was reportedly disrupted by Nigerian security operatives, who fired tear gas at protesters before arresting several participants.
Among those detained were Barrister Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and other activists who were later transferred to Kuje Prison.
Detainees Remain in High Spirits
Following his visit on Tuesday, October 22, Sowore provided an update via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the detained protesters remain resilient and in high spirits despite alleged police maltreatment.
“We had a productive meeting today with Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister @AloyEjimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, Barr. Wisdom Okere, and 10 others who were arrested and brutalised by the Nigeria Police Force for participating in a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest at Kuje Prison,” Sowore wrote.
He added that despite the harassment and detention, the activists remain determined to continue their call for justice and freedom.
Sowore Condemns Police Action, Calls for Accountability
Sowore strongly condemned the actions of the police, alleging that officers of the FCT Police Command subjected the peaceful protesters to further brutality after their arrest.
According to him, police officers “unleashed tear gas within their own premises before detaining them at the notorious SARS Abattoir.”
He described the act as “highly condemnable” and demanded accountability from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We will continue to demand the removal of the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egberokun, for his irresponsible leadership,” Sowore stated.
The activist reaffirmed his commitment to continue campaigning for Nnamdi Kanu’s release and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
