Condemnation trails arrest of Sowore, Kanu’s kin, lawyer, FENRAD calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of renowned activist Omoyele Sowore, Emmanuel Kanu (brother to detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu), Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and several other peaceful protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, eyewitness accounts confirmed that the activists were arrested by heavily armed police officers shortly after attending court proceedings in solidarity with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The protesters had gathered peacefully, calling for justice, respect for the rule of law, and compliance with court judgments ordering Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

FENRAD views these arrests as unlawful, arbitrary, and an affront to democratic principles, in direct violation of Sections 35, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

FENRAD recalls that various competent courts of law in Nigeria, as well as the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD), have declared the continued detention and extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu illegal and unconstitutional.

It is therefore unacceptable that, despite these legal pronouncements, the Federal Government continues to hold Mazi Kanu and persecute those calling for his freedom.

In the interest of justice, national reconciliation, and constitutional order, FENRAD calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately drop all terrorism-related charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure his unconditional release, in line with binding judicial and international decisions.

The Foundation hereby demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria should immediately and unconditionally release Omoyele Sowore, Emmanuel Kanu, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor and all other peaceful protesters were arrested in Abuja.

Drop all terrorism and related charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and release him forthwith, in obedience to court orders and international human-rights findings.

End all forms of police brutality, harassment, and intimidation of peaceful protesters, journalists, and civic activists. Respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties.

Uphold the rule of law and democratic accountability, ensuring that no citizen is punished for peacefully expressing lawful opinions.

FENRAD reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

The arrest of peaceful protesters and disregard for valid court orders represent a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.

They urged the Federal Government to demonstrate true statesmanship by respecting the courts, freeing all detainees, and embracing dialogue over repression.

A just and peaceful Nigeria cannot thrive where rights are trampled and dissent is criminalized.