Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday led a protest in Aba, Abia State, calling for the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration took place around the busy Ariaria International Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria.
Protesters marched through several sections of the market carrying banners and chanting solidarity slogans as they demanded freedom for the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). One of the prominent banners displayed during the march read: “Coalition of Lovers of Freedom, Free Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
The protest reportedly began with a modest turnout but quickly gained momentum as more people joined the procession. As the group moved toward the A-Line section of the market, the crowd expanded, attracting the attention of traders and passersby within the bustling trading environment.
Sowore’s presence added significant visibility to the demonstration, drawing residents and traders who gathered along market lanes to watch the unfolding protest. The usually busy commercial atmosphere of Ariaria Market was temporarily dominated by chants, placards, and coordinated movements by the demonstrators.
The protest highlights the continuing agitation by supporters demanding the release of Kanu, whose detention has remained a major political issue across parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Speaking to protesters in Aba, Sowore criticised the heavy deployment of soldiers and other security personnel in the city during the “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest. He argued that such security resources would be better deployed to regions facing attacks from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.
The activist clarified that he was not the organiser of the protest but attended because he believes in justice and equity for Kanu.
Meanwhile, a separate legal development unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umarwarned that the bail granted to Sowore could be revoked over his absence from court in an ongoing trial involving alleged defamatory remarks against Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The warning followed an application by counsel to the Department of State Services, Akinlolu Kehinde, who told the court that Sowore deliberately failed to appear despite being served a hearing notice through his legal team.
Justice Umar stated that the court could also issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest if he fails to appear at the next adjourned hearing.
Sowore is currently being prosecuted by the DSS for allegedly making false and defamatory statements about President Tinubu in posts shared on his social media accounts.
