By Our Correspondent
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has paid a solidarity visit to Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the legal counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, along with several other protesters currently held in custody by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The visit follows the controversial arrest of Ejimakor, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother Emmanuel Kanu, and other activists during a peaceful protest on October 20, 2025. The protest was organized to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader, who has remained in detention despite multiple court rulings in his favor.
Sowore, who also participated in the protest, condemned the arrests and described the treatment of the detainees as unjust and inhumane. He alleged that following his earlier visit to the protesters in custody, the police fired tear gas within the premises of the detention facility. He described the incident as a dangerous act of brutality.
He stated that the detained protesters remain in high spirits, unbroken, and committed to their demand for justice and the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Despite being unjustly arrested, their courage and unity have not wavered, he said.
Sowore further demanded the immediate removal of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as gross abuse of power and violation of citizens’ rights.
The arrested individuals were part of the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest held in Abuja, which sought to bring national attention to Kanu’s prolonged detention. Although the protest was peaceful, security forces cracked down on the demonstrators, citing a court order that barred public gatherings at key government sites including the National Assembly and Unity Fountain.
A magistrate court in Kuje later remanded the group to prison custody pending further legal proceedings.
The arrest of Barrister Ejimakor has triggered widespread criticism across legal and political circles. Many have questioned the legality of detaining a lawyer who is actively involved in a high-profile human rights case. Some government officials, including a presidential aide, accused Ejimakor of unprofessional conduct for participating in the protest, arguing that it interferes with ongoing court processes.
Supporters of the detainees have rejected this view. They argue that lawyers and citizens alike have the right to peacefully protest perceived injustices, especially when fundamental rights are being violated.
The family of Nnamdi Kanu also issued a statement distancing Sowore from claims that he betrayed the protest movement. They expressed their continued trust in his advocacy and reaffirmed their support for the ongoing campaign to secure Kanu’s release.
This latest development has renewed pressure on the Nigerian government from civil society groups and human rights advocates. Sowore’s demands and the continued detention of peaceful protesters have sparked fresh concerns about the conduct of law enforcement and the government’s respect for constitutional rights.
Observers say the coming days will be critical as attention turns to the courts. The outcome of bail applications, the conditions of detention, and the possibility of further protests may test Nigeria’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
