The Coalition of Southern Groups has alleged that Monday’s Free Nnamdi Kanu protest in Abuja was a politically motivated attempt to destabilise Nigeria and discredit the judiciary.

Speaking on ARISE Television, the group’s National Coordinator, Oladotun Hassan, said intelligence gathered by the coalition revealed that the protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, was not a genuine call for justice but an intentional effort to cause unrest and undermine state institutions.

“This was a politically intended protest to destabilise the country, it was a decoy targeted at the judiciary, and I was disappointed to see Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer participating. As a lawyer, you cannot protest against a sitting court handling an ongoing case,” he said

He accused the organisers of deliberately flouting a court order that restricted access to certain areas of Abuja, including Shehu Shagari Way and Transcorp Hilton, describing their actions as a calculated attempt to provoke security agencies.

He further alleged that opposition elements were using the protest to stir ethnic tension, particularly exploiting sentiments in the South-East.

“This is a plot to mislead the Igbo people, they are our brothers, but no one should use them as cannon fodder to advance political agendas” he said.

According to Hassan, the demonstration was “premeditated, well-funded and carefully orchestrated” to spark violence and create instability.

“We believe this is not about Nnamdi Kanu but a coordinated plan to discredit the government and threaten national security,” he stated.

The activist said the coalition would present evidence of the alleged plot to security agencies for investigation, calling on the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to probe the organisers.

“We are going to ensure that the law takes its course,” he said. “The DSS and the police must act quickly to prevent further attempts to incite unrest under the guise of activism.”

Hassan criticised Sowore’s continued use of protests as a political tool, arguing that constructive dialogue and engagement were better options.

“There are lawful means to engage the government through dialogue, research, or parliamentary channels. Constant protests only heighten tension and erode public trust.”

He also condemned attempts to intimidate the judiciary while a case was still before the court, insisting that Nnamdi Kanu must face due process.

Hassan maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had shown democratic tolerance by allowing dissenting voices but warned that such tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness.

“The President is a democrat who respects free speech, but no one should abuse that freedom to cause chaos, what happened in Abuja was not activism it was a calculated move to destabilise Nigeria,” he said.