Human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly attempting to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore claimed that the DSS had resorted to desperate tactics aimed at disrupting preparations for the protest scheduled for Monday, 20 October.
Sowore raises alarm over DSS intimidation
According to the activist, market leaders in the Federal Capital Territory have been facing undue pressure from DSS operatives since the mobilisation for the protest began. He alleged that the secret police were trying to discourage citizens from participating in the peaceful demonstration.
Sowore wrote: “We have received reports that @OfficialDSSNG, in a state of desperation, is attempting to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja, where we have been mobilising since yesterday, in preparation for the planned action on Monday, October 20, to Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.”
He further encouraged Nigerians to remain resolute, saying no amount of intimidation could stop the planned protest or silence the demand for justice and the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“We assure Nigerian citizens, who are working tirelessly, that they should not be swayed by the DSS desperation, and they should rest assured that nothing can stop the planned action and that nothing will happen to anyone,” Sowore stated.
The activist reiterated his commitment to peaceful civic mobilisation, adding that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign would continue until the IPOB leader regains his freedom.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021. Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has continued to hold him in custody, citing national security concerns.
The planned protest on 20 October aims to pressure the government to comply with court orders and release Kanu, whose detention has remained a major topic of public debate and political tension across the country.