Political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigerian government of deliberately keeping the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in custody for political reasons, saying his prolonged incarceration is “an act of subjugation and injustice against the Igbo people.”
Sowore, who was the main organiser of Monday’s “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja, said during an interview on ARISE News that the Nigerian authorities’ use of force against peaceful demonstrators revealed the government’s intolerance for dissent.
“It’s been a lot of tear gas inhalation today and a lot of attacks by the Nigerian police,” Sowore said. “We also ended up at the FCT Command of the Nigerian Police to secure the release of some lawyers who were arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s main lawyer, his younger brother, and 11 others. They gave us false hope that they would be released tonight, but we later found out that they were moved to a place they call Abattoir — one of the major torture chambers of the Nigerian police. They even tear-gassed us right in front of their office this evening.”
He condemned the continued detention of Kanu despite court rulings ordering his release, calling it a gross violation of the constitution and human rights.
“The Court of Appeal in 2022 made a decisive ruling that having been extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya — kidnapped, in simple terms — there were no valid charges against him and he should be released,” Sowore said. “That judgment ought to have taken immediate effect, but the Nigerian government refused to honour it. They claimed they were going on appeal, but an appeal does not constitute a stay when personal liberty is involved.”
Sowore insisted that Kanu was not being held for terrorism, but for his ethnic identity and his political opinions.
“Nnamdi Kanu is not being held for committing terrorism. No. He is being held because he is an Igbo man who dared to demand justice for his people,” he said. “The crime he committed is one with a microphone, not an AK-47. The government is punishing him for expressing views that challenge the injustice and inequity in this country.”
The activist said Monday’s protests, which took place across several parts of Abuja, were peaceful until police attacked demonstrators with tear gas and live bullets.
“It wasn’t just a social media protest — we had six protest spots across Abuja, with thousands of people in attendance,” Sowore said. “We were at Utako, Apo, and Gudu. Everywhere we went, the police attacked us ruthlessly. What they’re telling us is that you cannot be peaceful in Nigeria and get away with it. If we were violent or terrorists, they would leave us alone. But because we chose a non-violent approach, they treated us as enemies.”
He added that the government’s fear of protests stems from the broader public frustration with bad governance.
“The traction around this protest was beyond just Nnamdi Kanu,” Sowore said. “People are tired of a system that keeps innocent people in detention while the same government pardons drug dealers, kidnappers, and murderers. Nnamdi Kanu hasn’t committed any known offence, yet he’s kept in perpetual detention, tortured, and harassed.”
The activist compared the Nigerian state to “an open prison,” saying the country was “at war with itself.”
“The larger Nigerian nation is itself an open prison,” he said. “I’ve spent five years here under bogus charges. This country is like Gaza — except Gaza, even during bombardment, has electricity and water. Nigeria is a nation at war with itself. What has been done to Nnamdi Kanu is shameful. Many people who defend it will one day realise the danger of accepting injustice.”
Sowore criticised both northern and southeastern political leaders for their silence and hypocrisy over Kanu’s case.
“I’m ashamed of these southeastern politicians,” he said. “The deputy speaker was asking people not to join peaceful protests. The governors kept quiet. The so-called Ohanaeze leadership asked people to stay away. Even Yoruba leaders who should understand oppression are mocking us. Yet I was the only one who went to court when Sunday Igboho’s house was raided. The same people now look away because their brother is in power.”
Sowore maintained that protests remain an essential part of democratic engagement, insisting that he would continue mobilising Nigerians to demand justice and accountability.
“If there were no protests in Nigeria, this country would have gone completely to the dogs,” he said. “Every major change we’ve achieved came through protests — from ending military rule to defending human rights. Those who once protested now hate protesters because they’re in power. But this generation won’t stay silent. One day, tear gas and water cannons will no longer stop the people.”
He warned that if the government fails to release Nnamdi Kanu soon, more demonstrations will follow.
“If they don’t release him, there will be a bigger, more massive protest,” Sowore declared. “I’ll give them a period of grace to get their act together, but we will be back.”
The “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest, which saw heavy police presence across Abuja, was aimed at pressing for the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in detention for over seven years despite several court orders granting him freedom.
Boluwatife Enome
About the Author
