Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has spearheaded a significant movement demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. This initiative culminated in widespread mobilization efforts across major markets in Abuja, including the Igbo Market, Utako Modern Market, Wuse Market, GSM Village, Timber Market Gwagwalada, and the Neighbourhood Centre, Zone 3. Sowore's message, delivered to crowds of traders and citizens, emphasized Kanu's unlawful detention and called for a peaceful march to Aso Rock on Monday, October 20, 2025, to press their demands on the federal government of Nigeria, led by Bola Tinubu.

Sowore stated that Kanu has committed no crime and therefore does not require a pardon, but rather deserves justice. He highlighted the principle of double jeopardy, asserting that Kanu cannot be tried twice for the same offense, especially after the Court of Appeal ruled his transfer from Kenya illegal. Sowore condemned the Nigerian justice system for its perceived selective application, where powerful individuals and alleged criminals are pardoned, while dissenters like Kanu remain incarcerated. He criticized the government for what he termed a 'useless case' against Kanu, alleging a lack of credible evidence and the squandering of public funds by the Department of State Services (DSS) on what he called a 'charade' of a trial.

The planned protest, aimed at drawing global attention, has garnered support from various civil society groups and pro-democracy movements. Sowore urged Nigerians, both domestically and abroad, including market women, traders, artisans, students, and commercial drivers, to close their shops and participate enmass in the October 20 demonstration. He reiterated his commitment to justice, stating his motivation is not political gain, and recounted his own experiences of detention and alleged abuse, underscoring the systemic intimidation faced by freedom fighters in Nigeria.

However, the initiative has also faced strong opposition. A group of Igbo professionals based in the United States, operating under the banner 'Njiko Amaka,' accused Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of using the 'Free Nnamdi Kanu Now' protest as a political ploy. In a statement, Njiko Amaka, led by Chiefs Emeka Ejidike and Okey Anosike, condemned the protest, alleging ulterior motives by 'self-serving politicians who lost relevance at the polls.' They argued that the protest, scheduled for October 20, could jeopardize renewed judicial efforts and a potential political solution hinted at by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. Njiko Amaka questioned Atiku's sudden interest in Kanu's case while allegedly ignoring similar cases from his own region and urged Nigerians to reject the protest in favor of ongoing political efforts.

Concerns over potential state-sponsored violence against protesters have also been raised. The Global Defence Consortium (GDC) of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu accused the DSS of plotting to stage violence around the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 16, 2025, using disguised security operatives and hired thugs. The GDC claimed this was a 'wicked' attempt to justify a clampdown on peaceful demonstrators and 'scuttle the peaceful #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow march.' They called on international bodies, including the United States, European Union, African Union, and Canada, to caution Nigerian authorities and hold them responsible for any incidents.

Adding to the international appeal, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) wrote to the Israeli, Russian, Canadian, French, U.S., and UK embassies in Abuja. The OYC urged these missions to send international observers to monitor the October 20 protest and appealed for urgent diplomatic intervention in Kanu's unconditional release. The group highlighted Kanu's persistent unlawful detention despite multiple court judgments ordering his freedom as a grave violation of human rights and international conventions, expressing concern that security agencies might instigate violence against peaceful demonstrators. The OYC emphasized that their march would be non-violent and called for international pressure on the Nigerian government to comply with judicial rulings.