Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has raised serious concerns over alleged directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordering officers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to “crack down” on citizens participating in the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Sowore claimed that despite the IGP’s reported absence from the country, credible intelligence indicated that he had instructed the newly appointed FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, to adopt a heavy-handed approach against the peaceful marchers.
“Even though illegal Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun has skipped town and is reportedly attending an international conference in the US, credible sources indicate he instructed the new Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Miller Dantawaye, to adopt a heavy-handed approach to tomorrow’s peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march,” Sowore alleged.
He cautioned that such an order, if carried out, would represent a gross violation of constitutional rights and could inflame tensions ahead of the planned demonstration.
Sowore therefore called on the FCT police chief and all officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to uphold their constitutional duty to protect citizens’ rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force @policeng to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly,” he urged.
The activist also issued a stern warning against any attempt by security operatives to intimidate, brutalize, or unlawfully arrest peaceful protesters, noting that such actions would not go unchallenged.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions,” he wrote, stressing that “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. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow #MNKOct20.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, according to Sowore, is aimed at demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since June 2021 following his controversial abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The protest, which Sowore announced earlier this month, is expected to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Monday at the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock), Abuja.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters revealed that Sowore had commenced grassroots mobilisation across Abuja, meeting with community groups and civil society networks to garner support for the peaceful march.
On October 13, the activist was seen in Gudu, Abuja, alongside Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, addressing members of the Gudu Igbo Association, where he reiterated the need for nonviolent civic action to demand justice for the detained IPOB leader.
Sowore had also challenged prominent political figures from the Southeast region, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, to “match their words with action” by joining the peaceful protest.
“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause. I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to the Aso Rock Villa,” he stated.
The renewed campaign for Kanu’s release has gained significant momentum, drawing support from notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, MASSOB founder Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, and several Abia State lawmakers, who have all urged the federal government to release Kanu as a step toward national reconciliation and peace in the Southeast.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force had on October 18 issued a warning through its FCT Command, threatening to arrest and “deal ruthlessly” with any protesters who engage in what it termed “violent demonstrations.”
Despite the warning, Sowore insists the protest will remain peaceful and lawful, emphasizing that the movement’s sole objective is to demand justice, accountability, and freedom for a man whose continued detention, according to him, constitutes a violation of human rights and court orders.
“We are not backing down. The peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march will hold as planned. Nigerians have a right to speak against injustice,” Sowore reaffirmed.
As tensions heighten in Abuja ahead of the demonstration, all eyes are now on the FCT Police Command and DSS to see how they will handle the situation amid mounting public pressure for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
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