The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has exonerated human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, of any involvement in the arrest of Kanu’s brother and lead counsel during a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday.

The protest, organised under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, led to the controversial arrest of Prince Emmanuel Kanu and Barrister Aloy Ejimakor by security operatives at the Unity Fountain, sparking public outrage and accusations that Sowore may have lured the duo into police custody.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Kanunta Kanu, speaking on behalf of the family, dismissed the claims as false and misleading.

“The allegations that Sowore betrayed Barrister Ejimakor and Prince Emmanuel Kanu are mischievously incorrect and should be disregarded,” the statement read. “Sowore, like others, is exercising his democratic rights to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and we appreciate his solidarity.”

Protest Without Court Ban

The family clarified that there was no existing court injunction prohibiting the protest, contrary to suggestions made by some government officials. They condemned the arrest of peaceful demonstrators and described the move as an intimidation tactic ahead of Kanu’s next court appearance.

“This was a lawful and non-violent protest. The arrest appears calculated to create emotional distress for our brother as he prepares to face trial again,” the family added.

Rejection of Medical Claims

In the same statement, the Kanu family denied reports that a medical team from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had examined the IPOB leader in custody.

They labelled the reports “fabricated,” asserting that no such assessment has taken place and warning against deliberate misinformation.

“The government must stop peddling lies. No independent medical team has been granted access to Kanu, despite multiple court orders and requests.”

Criticism of Government’s Actions

The family accused the federal government and its security agencies of persecuting Nnamdi Kanu and the wider Igbo population, warning that continued injustice could provoke broader unrest.

“The ongoing suppression of the Igbo voice and targeting of our people must end. The time is coming when they will no longer be able to silence the will of the people.”

Diverging Opinions

While the Kanu family has distanced Sowore from the arrests, some government figures took issue with the conduct of Kanu’s lawyer. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga criticised Ejimakor for joining the protest, arguing it was inappropriate for a legal representative involved in an ongoing case to engage in public demonstrations.

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Meanwhile, some diaspora groups have also accused opposition figures such as Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of politicising Kanu’s detention for electoral relevance.

Background

Monday’s protest was part of ongoing campaigns demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) despite multiple court orders granting him bail.

Sowore, who was also present at the protest, confirmed the arrests via his social media channels and called for the immediate release of all detained demonstrators.

He also threatened to mobilise further protests, including occupying the FCT Police Command, if those arrested were not freed promptly.