NEWS
LIVE IN ABA: Massive “Free Nnamdi Kanu” Protest Erupts at Ariaria International Market as Demonstrators March with Banners, Omoyele Sowore Leads Growing Crowd
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | March 12, 2026
A large protest is currently unfolding in Aba, Abia State, as a swelling crowd of demonstrators has taken to the streets in what organisers describe as a “One Million March” demanding the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, which appears to be gathering significant momentum, is taking place around the busy Ariaria International Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses report that protesters are moving through sections of the market carrying banners and chanting solidarity slogans as they call for the freedom of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
One of the most visible banners seen among the crowd bears the inscription: COALITION OF LOVERS OF FREEDOM, FREE OUR LEADER MAZI NNAMDI KANU, as demonstrators continue marching toward the A-Line section of the Ariaria International Market, drawing the attention of traders, shoppers and passersby.
The protest appears to have begun with a modest turnout but has rapidly expanded as more individuals join the procession. Witnesses say the crowd is steadily growing as participants move deeper into the market corridors, with chants, placards and coordinated movement turning the demonstration into a major public spectacle within the bustling trading environment.
In a development that has surprised many observers, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has reportedly been spotted at the forefront of the protest alongside members of his team. His presence has added a new dimension to the demonstration, attracting additional attention from traders and residents who gathered along the streets and market lanes to watch the unfolding scene.
Earlier mobilisation efforts for the march had reportedly been championed by a pro-Kanu supporter identified as Saheed Jamiu, who had been engaging traders and circulating flyers across market clusters in Aba in the days leading up to the demonstration. The flyers called for a massive rally demanding the release of the IPOB leader.
As the protest continues to move through key trading areas of the market, traders are seen observing the procession while some individuals are joining the march, further increasing the size of the crowd.
The Ariaria market environment, usually dominated by commercial activity and bargaining voices, is now witnessing loud chants and coordinated movement by protesters waving banners and placards.
The demonstration highlights the continued agitation surrounding the detention of Kanu, whose supporters across parts of southeastern Nigeria have repeatedly demanded his release.
Security attention is also beginning to focus on the area as the procession advances through one of the busiest sections of Aba’s commercial district. Observers say the evolving situation is drawing widespread attention from residents, traders and commuters moving through the city.
As of the time of this report, the protest is still ongoing, with demonstrators continuing their march through the Ariaria market axis while the crowd steadily grows. The situation remains fluid as the demonstration develops in real time across the Aba commercial landscape.