Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore has openly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for their violent response during a peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs program aired on Arise Television and monitored by LMSINT MEDIA on Monday, Sowore strongly condemned the police assault on peaceful demonstrators who gathered to demand freedom for Nnamdi Kanu. According to Sowore, the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest when officers of the Nigeria Police Force used force to disperse them. He emphasized that the police’s reaction showed bias against citizens who peacefully express their grievances. “The only reason they attacked us was because we were peaceful,” Sowore said. “If we were armed bandits, they would never have come near us.” The human rights activist argued that the government’s continued hostility toward peaceful activists exposes a worrying double standard in Nigeria’s security system. Sowore noted that while criminals and bandits roam freely, those who peacefully demand justice are treated as enemies of the state. He further accused the authorities of using security agencies as tools of intimidation to silence dissenting voices. Sowore maintained that Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest, speak freely, and demand accountability from those in power. The protest, which took place in several parts of the country, called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to respect court orders regarding Kanu’s release. Observers believe that the peaceful demonstration reflects a growing frustration among Nigerians over the continued detention of the IPOB leader and the government’s disregard for rule of law. Sowore’s remarks have since sparked wide discussions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the use of force against peaceful protesters while criminal elements are left unchecked. As of now, the government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the police actions or Sowore’s accusations.
Will Nnamdi Kanu’s Release End South-East Insecurity? Soludo Doubts Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has cast doubt on whether releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would bring an end to the persistent insecurity in the South-East region. Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing in Amawbia, the governor highlighted how criminal elements have exploited the Biafran agitation to fuel organized crime and destabilize the region. Criminals Exploiting the Biafran Struggle Governor Soludo noted that what began as a call for liberation has been hijacked by criminals engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other unlawful activities. He described these actions as “lucrative criminality,” emphasizing that they have no connection to the original Biafran struggle. “These so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs,” Soludo stated. “They hide in forests, kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, and justify their actions under the pretext of Biafra. But make no mistake—this is driven by greed, not a genuine liberation effort.” Doubts Over Kanu’s Influence on Criminal Gangs Soludo expressed skepticism about whether Nnamdi Kanu’s release could influence the criminals operating in the region. According to him, many of these groups no longer align with IPOB’s ideology and have shifted focus to amassing wealth through crime. “Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo said. “Even if Kanu is released today, these criminals are unlikely to listen because they are motivated by greed, not liberation. They’ve become enemies of the people they claim to protect.” Alarming Statistics and Community Complicity The governor revealed that over the past two years, more than 99% of the criminals arrested in Anambra were Igbo, with over 70% being non-indigenes of the state. He also criticized some communities for aiding these criminals by providing them with food and shelter while viewing security agencies as adversaries. “Our people know these criminals—they’re our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” Soludo lamented. “In some communities, locals sustain them, which makes fighting insecurity even harder. How do you defeat crime when criminals are seen as heroes and security operatives as enemies?” Operation Udo Ga Chi: Anambra’s New Security Initiative To combat rising insecurity, Soludo announced a state-wide security initiative called ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), set to launch after January 25. The program will include: The governor also extended an olive branch to criminals, urging them to embrace the ongoing amnesty program, which is available until the end of February. Call for Collective Responsibility Soludo stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective action. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents to take charge of their communities and cooperate with security agencies. “Insecurity is a monster we must confront together,” Soludo stated. “If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals hiding under the guise of freedom fighting.” Appreciation for Federal Support He thanked the Federal Government and security agencies for their assistance in combating crime in the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in Anambra. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
