Sowore Alleges DSS Harassment of Abuja Market Leaders Ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest
Sowore Sounds Alarm Over DSS Intimidation
Human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has raised concerns over alleged attempts by the Department of State Services (DSS) to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja.
According to Sowore, the secret police have reportedly been applying undue pressure on market leaders since preparations began for the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, 20 October. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
“We have received reports that @OfficialDSSNG, in a state of desperation, is attempting to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja, where we have been mobilising since yesterday, in preparation for the planned action on Monday, October 20, to Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” Sowore tweeted.
He encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast, insisting that no amount of intimidation could halt the peaceful protest or silence calls for justice.
Peaceful Protesters Urged to Stand Firm
Sowore reassured citizens participating in the mobilisation:
“We assure Nigerian citizens, who are working tirelessly, that they should not be swayed by the DSS desperation, and they should rest assured that nothing can stop the planned action and that nothing will happen to anyone.”
The activist emphasized that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign would continue in a peaceful manner until the IPOB leader regains his freedom, stressing the importance of civic mobilisation in holding the government accountable.
Background: Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention and Public Debate
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021. Despite court orders mandating his release, the Federal Government has kept him in custody, citing national security concerns.
The upcoming protest aims to pressure the government to comply with court rulings and release Kanu, whose detention remains a polarizing issue, sparking national debate and political tension.
DSS Under Scrutiny as Protest Approaches
Sowore’s allegations have drawn attention to the role of security agencies in regulating civic demonstrations in Nigeria. Critics argue that actions perceived as harassment could escalate tensions, while activists maintain that peaceful mobilisation is a democratic right.
The protest on 20 October is expected to draw participants from across Abuja and beyond, with Sowore and fellow activists calling on citizens to exercise discipline, unity, and non-violence during the demonstration.
🔥 What Do You Think?
Should the DSS engage with activists ahead of protests, or is Sowore right to claim harassment?
Share your thoughts in the comments — this story is trending across Abuja and Nigerian social media.
