Human rights activist, political commentator, and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has publicly accused the Department of State Services b of allegedly engaging in acts of intimidation and harassment targeting market leaders in Abuja in the lead-up to the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. The activist claims that these actions by the DSS are part of a broader attempt to disrupt civic engagement and prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.
In a detailed statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore alleged that the DSS had resorted to increasingly desperate tactics aimed at undermining the organisation and mobilisation for the protest, which is scheduled for Monday, 20 October. He emphasized that the DSS’s purported actions are intended to intimidate ordinary Nigerians who have been actively involved in preparations for the demonstration, which seeks to demand the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore raises alarm over DSS intimidation
According to Sowore, market leaders and community figures across the Federal Capital Territory have faced consistent pressure from DSS operatives since mobilisation efforts for the protest began. The activist alleged that the secret police have been attempting to discourage citizens from participating in the planned peaceful demonstration, using threats, coercion, and other forms of harassment in an effort to stifle civic activism and public dissent. Sowore described the situation as a worrying development that highlights the state of desperation within the DSS regarding the growing movement for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
In his statement, 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.” His message underscored the activist’s determination to continue mobilising citizens despite alleged interference by government operatives.
He further encouraged Nigerians to remain resolute and undeterred by intimidation, insisting that no amount of pressure or harassment could stop the planned protest or silence calls for justice and the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu. Sowore assured participants and supporters that their safety would be prioritised, stating, “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.”
The activist also reiterated his commitment to peaceful civic mobilisation, highlighting that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign would continue unabated until the IPOB leader is granted freedom. He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast, mobilising responsibly, and standing firm in their demand for adherence to court rulings and justice for Nnamdi Kanu.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has remained in detention since his re-arrest in 2021. Despite several court rulings mandating his release, the Federal Government has continued to hold him in custody, citing concerns over national security. His detention has remained a highly polarising issue, drawing significant attention from human rights advocates, activists, and political observers across Nigeria and beyond.
The upcoming protest on 20 October is intended to pressure the government into complying with court orders and granting Kanu his freedom. The demonstration has attracted widespread public interest and has become a focal point for debates around civil liberties, justice, and government accountability. Sowore’s statements and mobilisation efforts underscore the continuing significance of citizen-led advocacy in holding authorities accountable for the rule of law and human rights.
