Abuja descended into chaos on October 20, 2025, as pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore led hundreds in a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march, demanding the immediate release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, held during Nigeria’s tense #EndSARS fifth anniversary, erupted into violent clashes after security forces intervened with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
What began as a peaceful gathering at the Federal Secretariat and Eagle Square, with chants of “Release Kanu Now,” soon turned into a standoff between demonstrators and heavily armed police. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as protesters fled under clouds of tear gas, with several people injured or detained.
Among those reportedly brutalized and arrested were Kingsley Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother) and Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, his lawyer. Human rights groups swiftly condemned the crackdown, calling it a disturbing repeat of the tactics used during the Lekki Toll Gate massacre in 2020.
Sowore, who narrowly escaped arrest, declared on X (formerly Twitter):
“No going back. Police intimidation won’t silence us.”
The US Embassy in Abuja issued a security advisory, warning of disruptions around key areas and urging residents to avoid protest zones.
Kanu remains in detention on terrorism-related charges, despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling declaring his 2021 rendition from Kenya unlawful. His case continues to fuel debates over human rights, federalism, and Igbo self-determination.
As hashtags like #FreeNnamdiKanu, #EndSARS, and #NeverForget dominate social media, Nigerians once again confront the haunting echoes of unfulfilled justice. With emotions high and tensions rising, the question remains—will this spark meaningful dialogue or another cycle of repression?
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