Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Saturday as part of his renewed campaign for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore shared details of the meeting on his official X handle, noting that discussions centered on the prolonged detention of Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 over terrorism-related charges. The activist, who recently declared October 20 as the date for a nationwide protest demanding Kanu’s freedom, said Jonathan expressed deep concern over the matter.
According to Sowore, the former president acknowledged the urgent need for a fair and decisive resolution, describing Kanu’s continued detention as an issue that must be addressed in the spirit of peace and justice. “President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to resolve this issue justly and swiftly. I appreciate him for recognising the importance of addressing Kanu’s case for the sake of fairness and national healing,” Sowore stated.
He revealed that Jonathan assured him of his commitment to engage President Bola Tinubu on the matter soon. The meeting, he said, represents a significant step in the growing national movement demanding justice for Kanu.
Sowore noted that Jonathan now joins other notable Nigerians who have spoken in support of Kanu’s release, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, legal luminary Femi Falana (SAN), Senator Shehu Sani, and several others across different regions and political affiliations.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention for standing up against decades of perceived marginalisation in Nigeria,” Sowore said. “Just like other activists whose politically motivated cases have been dropped, it is only fair that Kanu be released immediately.”
He further called on influential voices from the South East — including Peter Obi, Governors Charles Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, and Hope Uzodimma, as well as Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader John Mbata and Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili — to speak out in solidarity.
“Nnamdi Kanu should be set free,” Sowore maintained. “I remain firmly committed to peaceful mobilisation for justice and freedom in this case.”
