• Police deny seeking court order to halt protest, warn protesters
• Sowore insists on protest, urges police to protect participants

Push for freedom for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seems to be losing momentum as many forces are gathering against the planned nationwide protest, led by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to demand his release.
 
First, a group of Northern elements condemned the planned protest. Now, some elements from the South and those who claim to be victims of separatist violence added their voices in opposition to the protest.
 
While police deny seeking an injunction to halt the protest, they warned the protesters not to get anywhere near the presidential villa. But adamant Sowore insists on the protests and urges the police to, as a matter of duty, protect the participants in the protest.
 
The Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) threw its weight behind the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in condemning the planned nationwide protest.
In a statement issued on Friday, after a meeting in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and signed by its National Coordinator, Oladotun Hassan, the coalition described the planned demonstration as “a dangerous blackmail and a deliberate attempt to destabilise the country through deceit and emotional manipulation.”
 
The CSG, which comprises groups including the Yoruba Council Worldwide, East-West Alliance Group, Southern Nigeria Youth Congress, Oron Youth Council, Ijaw Youth Congress, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Parliament, said it stood firmly with the CNG in rejecting what it called “a premeditated plot to undermine national security and the judiciary under the guise of activism.”
 
The coalition further accused Sowore and other protest organisers of attempting to exploit human rights narratives for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Releasing Kanu under mob pressure will not heal Nigeria. It would embolden lawlessness, undermine the rule of law, and insult the memory of those who died defending this nation,” the statement added.
 
Calling on security agencies to remain vigilant, the CSG urged the Federal Government to “see Kanu’s trial to its logical conclusion” and to investigate those allegedly funding or coordinating the planned protest.

ALSO, the Forum of Victims of Separatist Violence (FVSV), a coalition representing families of slain civilians, traders, farmers, and security personnel, yesterday, voiced strong opposition to recent calls for the release of Kanu.
 
The group accused Kanu of being the originator of hate-filled and inciting rhetoric that allegedly inspired waves of violence, killings and destruction across parts of the country, particularly in the South-East.
 
In a statement by FVSV Chairman, Ernest Ezenwo, and Secretary, Mrs Godiya Sunday, the forum said it was speaking from a place of deep pain and unhealed wounds, urging the Federal Government to resist political pressure and allow the judiciary to complete Kanu’s trial in accordance with the law.

MEANWHILE, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has distanced itself from reports claiming it sought a court injunction to halt the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled to hold in Abuja today.
 
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had instead directed the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enforce the court’s order and ensure adequate security across vulnerable areas.
 
Hundeyin, reacting yesterday, through his X handle, described as misleading, the reports suggesting that police lawyers approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the protest.
 
The clarification came after Sowore hailed the court’s refusal to stop the demonstration, calling it a victory for civil liberties. Sowore had earlier alleged that the police dispatched legal representatives to frustrate the protest aimed at demanding the release of Kanu.
 
The police, however, cautioned groups planning to stage demonstrations for the release of Kanu to steer clear of Aso Rock and environs. NPF said its warning followed a recent order of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained individuals or groups from holding protests around sensitive government areas. Hundeyin advised intending protesters and counter-protest groups to avoid restricted zones and to channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means.  He said the police would ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.

IN the whole mix, Convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, Sowore, has insisted on going ahead with his group’s planned protest to demand the immediate release of Kanu, despite police warnings.
 
The IGP had earlier warned that, in compliance with the Abuja High Court’s order, no protest must be carried out around the Aso Rock villa and environs.
 
The warning notwithstanding, Sowore, yesterday, urged the FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Miller Dantawaye, to plan to protect citizens ahead of the planned protest today.
 
Sowore threatened that “any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions.” Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.

 The renewed call for his release was inflamed by the recent Presidential pardon for hundreds, not citizens, dead and alive, including murderers, coup plotters and terrorists.