The Ndigbo Young Professionals (NYP) have strongly criticised former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore over what they described as “false and inciting claims” against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Amb. Chinonso Chukwuemeka, the group condemned Sowore’s allegation that the FCT Police Command was attempting to intimidate organisers of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest slated for October 20, 2025, and his claim that IGP Egbetokun is “illegal”.
The NYP described the assertions as “reckless, malicious, and deliberately misleading,” adding that such comments were capable of provoking public disorder and undermining lawful institutions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, IGP Kayode Egbetokun was duly appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and confirmed in accordance with constitutional provisions. Any insinuation suggesting otherwise is a deliberate falsehood aimed at discrediting the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership,” the statement read.
The group further dismissed Sowore’s claim that the Federal High Court declined to grant an order to stop the protest, clarifying that the presiding judge, Justice Umar, had in fact granted a motion restricting protests around sensitive national sites, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly Complex, and Unity Fountain.
Ndigbo Young Professionals commended Justice Umar for what it termed “a proactive and courageous ruling” aimed at safeguarding national peace and public order in the Federal Capital Territory.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the group stressed that the case of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains before a competent court of law and should not be politicised or subjected to emotional agitation through street protests.
The statement warned that Mr Sowore would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order resulting from his “inciting statements” or any violence associated with the planned protest.
The Ndigbo Young Professionals urged Nigerian youths to disregard what they described as divisive rhetoric and to prioritise the peace, unity, and stability of the country above all else.
