Abuja, 23 October 2025 – In a striking display of solidarity amid ongoing legal proceedings, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore shared a heartfelt embrace with Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Sowore, who posted a video of the encounter on the social media platform X, described Kanu as “powerful and unrelenting”. In his post, he wrote: “Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong! #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”
The meeting occurred as Kanu appeared in court to commence his defence in a long-running trial on charges including terrorism and treasonable felony. Kanu, who has been in custody since his controversial rendition from Kenya in June 2021, stunned the courtroom by announcing the withdrawal of his entire legal team, opting instead to represent himself. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case until Friday to allow Kanu to open his defence following the lawyers’ departure.
The brief interaction has since gone viral on social media, with many users hailing it as a symbol of unity among opposition voices.
However, the day took a dramatic turn shortly after the meeting when Sowore was arrested at the court premises. Reports indicate that he was detained by police on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, though the exact reasons remain unclear at the time of writing. Videos circulating online show Sowore being led away by officers, sparking outrage among supporters and calls for his immediate release.
Kanu’s trial has been fraught with controversy, including allegations of poor health conditions in detention and disputes over legal representation. One of his former lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, was recently remanded in Kuje prison following a protest in court. The IPOB leader has consistently denied the charges against him, maintaining that his advocacy for Biafran self-determination is peaceful.
Sowore, known for his role in the #RevolutionNow movement and as the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has long been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government. His encounter with Kanu underscores the intersecting struggles for justice and reform in the country.
As the case resumes on Friday, observers anticipate further developments in what has become one of Nigeria’s most high-profile legal battles. Calls for Kanu’s release continue to echo across social media under hashtags like #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, with supporters arguing that his prolonged detention undermines democratic principles.
