The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against any attempt to use the planned October 20 protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a tool to discredit or interfere with the ongoing court trial or political discussions surrounding the matter.
The NBA’s President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, gave the warning on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he addressed concerns over the planned protest being mobilised by rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other groups.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has called for a peaceful nationwide protest demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu is currently facing trial on alleged terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the NBA president highlighted that the ongoing judicial process must not be undermined or seen as untrustworthy.
“Let me just say that the NBA as an association respects the rights of every Nigerian to demonstrate,” Osigwe said.
“The right to protest is a fundamental part of freedom of expression and association.”
However, he noted that since legal proceedings are still ongoing, all stakeholders including protesters, supporters, and observers must ensure their actions do not interfere with the court’s independence.
“We must also ensure that the judicial process is not politicised or discredited. The impression should not be created that the judiciary cannot be trusted to deliver justice in cases pending before the court,” he said.
Osigwe called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to remain neutral and professional during the protest. He stressed that while Nigerians have the right to demonstrate, it is the duty of law enforcement to protect lives, property, and prevent breakdown of law and order.
“It becomes the duty of the police to ensure the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums and does not degenerate into violence,” he added.
The NBA president also appealed to protesters to maintain peace and avoid actions that could be interpreted as attempts to intimidate or pressure the court.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, was arrested in 2021 after fleeing the country in 2017. He has since been facing trial on multiple charges, including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.
His continued detention has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups, political activists, and international observers, with many calling for a political solution rather than a prolonged legal battle.
Recently, several Igbo political leaders and elders have also been lobbying for Kanu’s release through dialogue, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to consider a peaceful resolution as a step toward national unity and reconciliation.
Sowore and his supporters argue that Kanu’s continued detention is unlawful and unjust, especially after some of the charges were previously quashed by courts. However, the government has maintained that Kanu must face trial for serious offences against the state.
Osigwe concluded by urging all sides — activists, the government, and the judiciary — to act with caution, respect for due process, and national interest.
“While citizens are free to protest peacefully, we must be careful not to undermine the same judicial and political processes that are being used to resolve the matter,” he said.
“Let us not destroy the same institutions we are depending on for justice.”
The NBA’s statement comes just two days before the planned protest and is seen as a call for restraint and responsibility on a highly sensitive national issue.
