Nigeria, Oct. 21 -- On Monday, protesters led by Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, stormed the streets of Nigeria's capital city, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from custody.

Mr Kanu has been in detention since 2021 as he faces trial on terrorism charges which stemmed from his separatist activities calling for the independence of the South-east region as a sovereign state. The Nigerian government accused him in the trial that dates back to 2015 of inciting violence that has led to wanton killings and destruction of properties in the region.

But protesters led by Mr Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African ...