The South East Patriots (SEP) expresses deep concern and condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing mobilisation campaign reportedly being organised by Mr. Omoyele Sowore and his associates, which specifically targets Igbo traders and communities in Abuja under the guise of protesting for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This approach is not only reckless and insensitive, but it also endangers innocent lives, undermines lawful process, and risks plunging the nation—especially the South East—into avoidable crisis.

1. On the Irresponsible Method of Mobilisation

Mobilising traders along ethnic and commercial lines in Abuja is divisive and inflammatory.
It introduces an ethnic tone to what should be a lawful judicial process and places innocent business owners at the frontline of potential clashes and reprisals.
Such action does not advance justice; it weaponises emotion and risks turning legitimate concerns into chaos.

2. On the Danger of Hoodlum Hijack and Security Consequences

SEP warns that this style of mobilisation could be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to looting, attacks, and vandalism — particularly across the South East where the people have already suffered immensely.
For years, the South East has been at the receiving end of the violent fallouts surrounding Kanu’s case.
The Monday sit-at-home episodes remain a tragic reminder of the economic sacrifices, bloodshed, and social paralysis our people have endured.
To now call for another confrontation that could again ignite unrest is deeply irresponsible and must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.

3. On Accountability for Consequences

SEP hereby states unequivocally that Mr. Sowore and his co-travellers will be held fully responsible should any act of violence, reprisal, or crisis erupt in the South East or elsewhere as a result of this reckless mobilisation.
It is a moral contradiction to mobilise citizens to risk their lives in agitation for the release of someone who is already in lawful government custody and who now has a constitutional opportunity to defend himself and change the narrative in court.
Justice cannot be secured through disorder.
True solidarity must be guided by wisdom, not provocation.

4. SEP’s Call to the Public and Security Agencies

SEP calls on all patriots, youths, and traders to shun participation in any such protest and remain focused on peaceful coexistence and lawful advocacy.
We also urge the security agencies to act proactively to prevent any breakdown of law and order, especially in markets and border communities vulnerable to infiltration by criminal elements.

5. SEP’s Focus and Direction

The South East Patriots reaffirm our total commitment to building the South East as Nigeria’s next economic hub — not through violence or confrontation, but through strategic political participation and electoral decisions at the ballot.
Our movement is founded on the conviction that economic revival begins with responsible leadership, and leadership begins with the power of the voter’s card.
Every demonstration that does not translate into ballot-based transformation is an exercise in futility.
SEP will therefore continue to invest its energy in mobilising voters, mentoring political leaders, and driving development through informed democratic participation.

6. Conclusion

The defence stage of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is a constitutional window — not a call to the streets.
Let the courts hear him.
Let the truth be tested by evidence, not emotion.
Let justice prevail under law, not under fire.
Any action that disrupts this process or endangers innocent citizens will be firmly opposed by the South East Patriots.
Signed:
Sir Obunike C. Ohaegbu, KSJI, LLM
National Coordinator
SOUTH EAST PATRIOTS (SEP)
“Building the South East as Nigeria’s Economic Hub through Decisions at the Ballot”