Update on #FreeNnamdiKanuNow
I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr , Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo , and Mr. @PeterObi (through his team) today.
Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr.… pic.twitter.com/fVPS3KVjrs— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) October 8, 2025
SAHARA REPORTERS
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has confirmed that he directly reached out to top politicians, stakeholders, and lawmakers in the South-East to join his planned peaceful protest at the Aso Rock Villa to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore said he directly contacted the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, as part of efforts to mobilise the planned peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand Kanu’s release.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Sowore confirmed that he had personally contacted the key figures, asking them to join forces for a unified, peaceful national action calling for justice and the rule of law in Kanu’s case.
“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi (through his team) today,” Sowore said.
According to him, the efforts were aimed at ensuring that leaders of conscience speak and act decisively regarding the prolonged detention of Kanu, whose trial has generated controversy and widespread calls for release.
“Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. I was informed that Mr. Peter Obi is currently traveling, but they promised to let him know of our plans,” Sowore explained.
He added that he also reached out to Atiku through his aides, as well as lawmakers from Abia State and other political stakeholders who have publicly expressed concern about Kanu’s detention.
“I also reached out to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar through his team, while Senator Enyi Abaribe said he would return my call,” he disclosed.
The activist stated that his engagement with members of the National Assembly from Abia State and the Abia State House of Assembly was productive, noting that some lawmakers have shown a readiness to participate in further actions.
“I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging,” he said.
“The Abia State House of Assembly members informed me that they plan to travel to London next week and then return directly to Abuja for further action.”
According to him, the lawmakers indicated their intention to engage the federal authorities first before joining any mass demonstration.
“They mentioned they intend to visit the Attorney General of the Federation first to lodge a complaint,” he added.
“They didn’t anticipate a “placard” protest. I told them that is fine. What matters most is that we agree on a unified date for action.”
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, stressed that his current effort is not partisan but a moral and civic duty to demand justice and accountability from the Nigerian government regarding the continued incarceration of the IPOB leader despite multiple court orders calling for his release.
“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later,” he declared.
Background
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Sowore called on political leaders and other stakeholders from the South-East region to join him in a peaceful march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to demand the immediate release of Kanu.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore stated that he was ready to set aside political differences in pursuit of justice for Kanu.
“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause,” he wrote.
“I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to the Aso Rock Villa.”
Sowore urged prominent figures from the region, including governors, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, to take concrete steps beyond verbal support for Kanu’s release.
“Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom, come out and do more than talk. I will lead this peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore declared.
He specifically tagged Anambra State Governor Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia State Governor Otti, and Obi, challenging them to join in the protest.
“No more empty noise. Let Governor Soludo (@CCSoludo), Senator Abaribe (@SenatorAbaribe), Alex Otti (@alexottiofr), Peter Obi (@PeterObi), and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he said.
Sowore stressed that the march would be peaceful and lawful, aimed at demanding justice and an end to what he described as the persecution of Nnamdi Kanu.
“We go together peacefully, legally, and visibly to demand justice and an end to MNK’s persecution. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow,” he added.
Reacting to Sowore’s challenge, Kanu’s Special Council, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, said, “Dear Sowore, I hereby step forward to match with you to Aso Rock to ‘peacefully & visibly demand justice’ for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Who is with me? Ndigbo ahoy!”
Kanu’s Plight
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria from Kenya under controversial circumstances.
He faces charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, filed by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu has consistently pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extradition to Nigeria violated international laws.
However, the Federal Government appealed the judgment and obtained a stay of execution from the Supreme Court, which allowed his continued detention.
Despite several calls for his release, including appeals from South-East governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and international human rights groups, Kanu remains in solitary confinement at the DSS facility in Abuja.
His legal team has repeatedly decried what they describe as the government’s disobedience to court orders granting him unconditional release, arguing that his continued detention constitutes a violation of his fundamental human rights.
The renewed call by Sowore adds to growing public pressure on the Nigerian Government to either release Kanu or expedite his trial in accordance with constitutional and international legal standards.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON SAHARA REPORTERS