A global Igbo organisation, the Ndi Igbo World Union, has called on all Igbos around the world to support a planned peaceful protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, in Abuja.
The march, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore, is expected to culminate at the Presidential Villa and aims to press for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued on Monday from Peabody, Massachusetts, USA, and signed by the group’s Chairman, Benjamin I. Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles C. Edemuzor, the union described the demonstration as a “moral pilgrimage of conscience,” insisting that it would be entirely peaceful.
“This historic peaceful march to Aso Rock is not a protest of violence but a call for Nigeria to return to justice, humanity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The group urged Igbos “from Aba to Atlanta, Enugu to Edmonton, Nsukka to New York, and Owerri to Oslo” to unite in support of the #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow campaign.
The statement described Kanu as “a freedom fighter illegally renditioned and unjustly detained in violation of both Nigerian law and international conventions.” It also commended prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who have joined renewed calls for Kanu’s release.
The group further applauded Omoyele Sowore, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for backing the movement, urging Igbo organisations, student bodies, market unions, and diaspora chapters to mobilise peacefully for the march.
“Let our chants be songs of peace; let our banners proclaim justice; let our feet march with dignity,” the statement added.
The Ndi Igbo World Union cautioned participants to avoid violence and “beware of mischief-makers and detractors seeking to divide the movement.”
The organisation also called on the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS Court to intervene, describing Kanu’s continued detention as “a human rights crisis.”
Concluding its appeal, the group said the October 20 march should serve as “a moment of unity for Igbos worldwide to march for justice, not vengeance; freedom, not anarchy; unity, not fear.”