FreeNnamdiKanu: We did not see any court order banning protests – Maxwell Opara

Inside the Protest: Advocates Demand Release of Nnamdi Kanu Amid Controversy

Welcome back to our weekly roundup, where we unpack the stories behind the headlines with a fresh perspective. This week, we're diving into a heated protest that recently took place at Abuja's Berger Axis—a protest centered around the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration has stirred up considerable debate, especially over alleged court orders and government actions.

The lawyer and activist at the forefront of these protests, Maxwell Opara, has firmly challenged the police’s claim that a court injunction banned the demonstrations. According to Opara, organizers never saw or received any such court order. Instead, he points out a troubling inconsistency: several court judgments have ordered the release of Kanu, yet these rulings appear selectively ignored. In fact, one court even awarded N1 billion in damages against the Nigerian government for his unlawful detention.

At the protest, Opara expressed frustration over the government’s handling of the situation. He accused federal authorities of exercising what he calls “amnesty” for terrorists and bandits—groups the government has reportedly engaged with in negotiations—while simultaneously refusing to free Kanu, a political detainee with court-ordered rights. This contrast underscores the complex, and no doubt deeply political, nature of the standoff.

Regarding the disputed court order often cited by the police, Opara clarified that it only prohibits protesters from entering certain sensitive areas like the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly. Yet, despite these restrictions, some protest leaders have been arrested, drawing sharp criticism from activists who see these moves as attempts to quash legitimate dissent.

What remains clear is the determination of the protesters. Undeterred by arrests or police warnings, Opara and his fellow activists vow to continue their campaign until the federal government meets their demand: the release of Nnamdi Kanu. This unresolved tension shines a light on broader issues of justice, governance, and accountability in Nigeria today.

Thanks for joining this conversation. Next week, we’ll explore another significant chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing quest for political transparency and social justice. Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and remember—every voice matters in the fight for fairness.