The attention of the South East Patriots (SEP) has been drawn to disturbing reports of the arrest, brutalisation, and detention of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, alongside Fineboy Kanu, his younger brother, Barrister Okere, and ten others who participated in the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
SEP condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful arrest and detention of these individuals, especially given that their only “crime” was exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. It is particularly appalling that they have been taken to the SARS Abattoir detention facility, a place notorious for torture, inhuman treatment, and extrajudicial abuses.
However, SEP expresses grave concern at the suspicious circumstances surrounding the protest and the arrests. It is both strange and telling that Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who instigated, coordinated, and led the protest, has not been arrested or questioned, even though he was the principal mobiliser of the entire activity. This raises legitimate questions on whether the protest was a hatchet job designed to sabotage Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing defence and derail his legal momentum at a critical moment when the court has finally directed him to open his defence.
It is noteworthy that Sowore’s own post about the arrests omitted the full list of those detained, referring to others simply as “OTHERS.” SEP finds such statistical and dismissive references insensitive and unbecoming, especially given the gravity of what those individuals are enduring. Ndi Igbo must learn to avoid being reduced to “statistics” in politically motivated dramas.
While SEP continues to condemn the prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we recognise that the current phase — the opening of his defence — presents a unique and powerful opportunity for him to personally reclaim the narrative, challenge misinformation, and present his case before the world.
SEP therefore calls on all well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters to channel their passion and solidarity strategically, rather than through uncoordinated street protests that may expose innocent people to harm or manipulation.
The most powerful and enduring protest remains at the ballot box. The 2027 elections will be the true referendum for justice, equity, and the future of the South East within the Nigerian project. SEP urges Ndi Igbo to begin preparing now for strategic, united, and effective political participation, rather than falling into traps designed to weaken our collective resolve.
In conclusion, SEP calls on Ndi Igbo to avoid Sowore’s protest, as the target and timing are clearly not in the interest of the South East. The organisation demands that all detained protesters be treated strictly within the ambits of the law, with full respect for their fundamental rights and due process guarantees.
The South East has sacrificed enough. Let our next protest be at the polls — not in the streets.
Signed:
Sir Obunike C. Ohaegbu, KSJI (Ezesinachi Ukpor)
National Coordinator, South East Patriots (SEP)
Date: 21st October, 2025