BREAKING: DSS Storms Kugbo Market Abuja, Harasses Market Leaders Over Sowore’s Mobilisation For #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have stormed Kugbo Market in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, harassing traders and market leaders who were mobilising for the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.

SaharaReporters gathered that the security operatives allegedly searched for the market leaders and demanded their phone numbers shortly after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, had been there for the mobilisation for October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.

Confirming the DSS clampdown, Sowore said traders at Kugbo Market alerted him that the DSS officials invaded the area and began asking for the contact details of all the market chairmen.

He said, “We have received reports that @OfficialDSSNG in a state of desperation, is attempting to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja, where we have been mobilising since yesterday, in preparation for the planned action on Monday, October 20, to Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.

"We assure Nigerian citizens, who are working tirelessly, that they should not be swayed by the DSS desperation, and they should rest assured that nothing can stop the planned action and that nothing will happen to anyone. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow"

The activist described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against citizens supporting the peaceful protest aimed at demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Sowore, on Monday, October 13, commenced mobilisation for the October 20 march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, under the banner of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. 

The protest, he said, is aimed at demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since June 2021 following his abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.

During a mobilisation meeting with the Gudu Igbo Association in Abuja, Sowore was seen alongside Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, addressing a crowd of supporters who chanted solidarity songs and vowed to participate in the protest.

The activist had earlier challenged Southeast political leaders,  including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi,  to join the peaceful protest and match their words with action.

He maintained that the march, scheduled for October 20 at 7am to Aso Rock Villa, would remain peaceful and lawful.