HUMAN rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police (CP) Miller Dantawaye, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to protect the rights of protesters ahead of Monday’s planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march in Abuja.
The demonstration is aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since June 2021 despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, October 19, Sowore cautioned security agencies against using excessive force or carrying out unlawful arrests during the protest. He said any officer involved in brutality against peaceful demonstrators would be held accountable.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly.
“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 said.
The warning followed a statement by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directing officers to enforce existing court orders and maintain order during the planned protest. Egbetokun also instructed all relevant commands to ensure visible deployments across strategic points in Abuja to prevent disruptions.
The Police Force had earlier reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, warning groups planning the protest to respect court directives and avoid any action that could lead to violence.
Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017 before fleeing the country after a military operation at his home in Abia State. He was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria in 2021 and has since remained in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) on terrorism and treasonable felony charges.
Several human rights organisations have called for his release, citing prolonged detention and disregard for judicial orders.
The ICIR reported that prolonged adjournments, medical disputes, and legal wrangling over jurisdiction have marked Kanu’s case.
A reporter with the ICIR
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