A section of Nigerians has expressed support for the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march, initiated by rights activist Omoyele Sowore to demand the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate, announced that the march will be held on Monday, October 20, with the aim of pressuring the Federal Government to free Kanu.

In a recent statement, Sowore described the chosen date as “sacrosanct.”

Beyond social media support, the Ndigbo World Union, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzor, called on Ndigbo at home and abroad to fully identify with what it described as a “moral pilgrimage of conscience.”

The group stated that Kanu’s continued detention “is a stain on the conscience of any nation that claims to practice democracy and justice.”

“Kanu remains the pre-eminent freedom fighter of Africa, a man illegally renditioned and unjustly detained in violation of both Nigerian law and international conventions,” the statement read.

“This historic peaceful march to Aso Rock is not a protest of violence but a moral call for Nigeria to return to justice, humanity, and the rule of law.”

Commending Sowore, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and other supporters of the initiative, the group urged Igbo political leaders, including members of the Abia State House of Assembly, to identify with the movement.

“Let every Igbo union, student body, market association, church, town union, and diaspora chapter mobilize peacefully and massively. Let our presence be a testimony that we have not abandoned our own,” the statement added.

Other groups that have rallied support for Sowore include the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) and the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL).

In separate statements, both groups announced plans to mobilize their members and non-members to participate in the protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.

In a statement signed by its National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, IWA described Sowore’s move as “a step in the right direction,” praising his effort to mobilize Nigerians in defence of justice and the rule of law.

The pan-Igbo women’s group, which has been at the forefront of advocacy for Kanu’s release, said the IPOB leader has been a victim of “protracted injustice.”

“We want Nigerians to unite against injustice and intimidation — against the assault on freedom of speech and the rule of law,” Chimezie said.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stood against those ills, and that’s why they came after him. Ordinary Nigerians must unite and resist the disregard for court orders. We must not allow politicians to use the fault lines of party, religion, and tribe to divide us while they dine together behind closed doors.”

She added that the federal authorities, who negotiate with terrorists of various shades, have “no justification” for continuing to detain Kanu, describing him as “a freedom fighter and justice advocate.”

Similarly, COSEYL, in a statement signed by its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, condemned Kanu’s continued detention and the government’s silence in the face of growing calls for his release.

“His ongoing detention without adequate access to medical care poses a significant threat to his well-being and is a matter of grave concern for our collective conscience,” Ibem said.

The group noted that the planned nationwide march underscores the “need for unity in the demand for justice and liberty.”

COSEYL also disclosed that it was engaging with stakeholders — including human rights organisations, legal advocates, and sympathetic political figures — to amplify their voices and push for dialogue in resolving Kanu’s case.

“We have commenced organizing a series of peaceful demonstrations across the Southeast to draw national and international attention to Nnamdi Kanu’s plight,” the statement added. “Nigerians must not remain indifferent to oppression.”