Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests set for Monday, 20 October, across Nigeria’s capital city.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstrations could lead to traffic disruptions, roadblocks and potential violence around major locations, including Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday,” the advisory reads. “There may be confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent.”
It urged Americans to avoid protest areas and restrict movement throughout Abuja on the day, further advising parents to keep children home from school and domestic staff who travel long distances to stay off the roads.
The protest, organised by Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate, aims to press for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been held since 2021 on terrorism charges.
Sowore described the planned protest as a “historic and peaceful demonstration” directed toward Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Kanu was extradited from Kenya in 2021 and remains in custody at the Federal High Court, Abuja, as his trial continues.
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Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness 
