Despite warnings by the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), organisers of the #FreeNamdikanuNow vowed yesterday that there was no going back on today’s planned protest in Abuja.
Omoyele Sowore, arrowhead of the protest and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, said any security operative who brutalises peaceful protesters would be held ‘’accountable,’’.
Sowore spoke via his social media post after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Federal Capital Territory Sector Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, directed their men and officers to ensure strict enforcement of last week’s court order barring the protest organisers from getting near the Presidential Villa in Abuja and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
In the post, Sowore urged the new FCT police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, not to adopt a heavy-handed approach to the demonstration.
But IGP Egbetokun ordered the officers and men, especially in the FCT, to be on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of the court order.
He also directed all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments in strategic locations in Abuja to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
NSCDC FCT Commandant Odumosu said in a statement that the Service would ‘’not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.”
Odumosu called on Nigerians, in support or against the planned protest, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
He said the personnel had been warned not to shoot, harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen.
The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the protest to have a rethink, as anyone caught would be arrested and dealt with.
The statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Monica Ojobi, partly reads: “We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.
“The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally.”
Also yesterday, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which described its facilities a ‘’Red Zone,’’ warned against any form of protest near them.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has warned against any form of protest near its facilities across the country, saying that they are red zones for would-be protesters.
The service, in a statement by its Spokesman, Umar Abubakar, said:”In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as RED ZONES.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.”
Two youth groups– National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Task Force and Committee for Free Nnamdi Kanu—, yesterday distanced themselves from the protest.
Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NYCN, Buhari Shehu, in a statement he shared on his social platform, cautioned Nigerian youths against participating in the protest
Shehu said the council feared the ‘’protest may lead to a breakdown of law and order.’’
‘’ We urge all Nigerian youths to exercise restraint and stay out of trouble. We are concerned that the planned protest may lead to a breakdown of law and order, which could put lives and property at risk,” Shehu said.
Convener and Executive Secretary the the Task Force and Committee for Free Nnamdi Kanu, Emejulu Okpalaezeukwu, said they decided not to be a part of the protest because political and traditional rulers, especially from the Southeast, are already on the Kanu matter.
He alleged that some people benefiting from the continued detention of the IPOB leader do not want him released.
Okpalaezeukwu called on “Ndi Igbo, particularly Igno traders, youth and peace-loving Nigerians to stay away from today’s protest..
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony.
The IPoB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, but fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
