Sowore Urges Police to Respect Citizens’ Rights Ahead of Nnamdi Kanu Protest, Warns Against Excessive Force
Sowore Urges Police to Respect Citizens’ Rights Ahead of Nnamdi Kanu Protest, Warns Against Excessive Force
The founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, CP Miller Dantawaye, and Nigeria Police officers to uphold their oath to protect citizens and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of the scheduled #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march on Monday.
The protest, set for October 20, aims to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, who has been in custody since June 2021. The event has attracted significant legal and security attention.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed officers to remain vigilant and enforce court orders strictly. He also instructed all police units to deploy visibly at key locations across Abuja to prevent law and order breakdown.
However, Sowore, via social media, urged the new FCT police chief not to respond with excessive force. He appealed to CP Dantawaye and police personnel to resist any orders that could violate protesters’ rights and to prioritize the safety of marchers.
Sowore warned that any brutality, excessive force, or unlawful arrests would have consequences, asserting that Nigerians would hold accountable those who attempt to use violence.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long,” Sowore stated.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the oath of allegiance to protect citizens and respect their right to peaceful assembly.
Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. Despite court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply, fueling public outrage and renewed calls for justice.
