In a significant development, a Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted bail to prominent activist Omoyele Sowore, Aloy Ejimakor, the lawyer representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 other individuals who were arrested over their involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The decision was handed down during the court sitting on Friday, providing temporary relief to the defendants who had been in detention for several days following the nationwide protests that drew significant attention from both local and international observers.
The court set the bail amount at ₦500,000 per individual, with the requirement of two sureties in like sum, ensuring that all 13 accused persons could secure their release while awaiting the continuation of legal proceedings. The ruling has been hailed by human rights activists as a positive step toward safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens to peaceful protest and free expression.
Charges: Breach of Peace and Incitement
The 13 individuals were formally arraigned on charges related to inciting public disturbance and breach of peace during the October 20 demonstration in Abuja. Prosecutors alleged that the protest, which was organized to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, disrupted public order and threatened security within the FCT. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicated that several protesters, including legal representatives and family members of Nnamdi Kanu, were apprehended during the protest, leading to heightened tensions and nationwide debates on the government’s handling of dissent.
Among those arrested were Aloy Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others who were later remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Their arrest and subsequent detention had sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, civil society organizations, and members of the public who argued that peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right in Nigeria.
Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court
Separately, activist Omoyele Sowore was reportedly arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to show support for Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing ongoing terrorism-related charges. Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom drew immediate criticism from rights advocates, who condemned it as a violation of due process and an affront to the rule of law. Many observers pointed out that targeting Sowore, a known advocate for civil liberties, could further exacerbate tensions and fuel debates on Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.
Public Reactions and Legal Implications
The bail decision has been widely welcomed by civil rights organizations and members of the public, with many describing it as a necessary corrective measure to ensure that the accused can continue to exercise their constitutional rights while facing trial. Human rights groups emphasized that the ruling sends a message that peaceful assembly and protest should not be criminalized, and that the judiciary plays a critical role in upholding democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
As the case progresses, the prosecution is expected to present evidence against the 13 defendants, and legal analysts have predicted that the proceedings could set important precedents regarding the treatment of activists and peaceful protesters in the country. Meanwhile, Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and the other defendants remain free on bail, allowing them to engage with their legal teams and prepare for the next stage of the trial while public attention continues to focus on their case.