Sowore Speaks Out as Kanu’s Trial Causes Fresh Protest and Debate

The Federal High Court was tense this morning as people gathered for the latest hearing in Nnamdi Kanu’s long-running terrorism case. But it was activist Omoyele Sowore who grabbed attention, using the moment to speak out strongly against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Sowore, who had just finished his own court appearance for a cybercrime case, stood with his legal team and supporters as he criticized what he called a “brazen persecution” of the IPOB leader. He said the country was struggling with serious problems while the government focused on court battles.

“You can’t ignore the streets burning with hunger and insecurity to chase shadows in court,” Sowore said. Wearing his usual black shirt, he pointed directly at Tinubu and added, “Mr. President, you’re persecuting Nnamdi Kanu while Nigeria drowns in crisis – inflation at 35 percent, naira in freefall, bandits running wild in the North. This isn’t justice; it’s a distraction from your failures.”

Kanu, who has been in detention for four years after being taken from Kenya, sat quietly in the courtroom. Justice James Omotosho, who was in charge of the case, had set today for the hearing after Kanu missed several chances to defend himself. The judge had earlier called the trial “fundamentally flawed.”

Outside the court, rights groups marked what they called ten years of “judicial sabotage,” pointing to past Supreme Court rulings that ordered Kanu’s release but were ignored. Sowore, who was arrested last month during a protest, said his own troubles were linked to the same kind of political pressure. He also criticized a senator’s lawsuit against him, calling it part of a bigger plan.

As the judge stepped out briefly, Sowore’s comments quickly spread online, with the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow trending again. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting against “Tinubu’s tyranny,” while police stood guard. Some people feared a harsh sentence was already decided, repeating Sowore’s warning of a “high-level conspiracy.” Others praised him for speaking up when it mattered most.