Nigerian diaspora communities across Canada are gearing up for a significant demonstration on October 20, 2025, demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The coordinated protest, branded #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, will span multiple Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, marking one of the largest diaspora mobilization efforts for the cause.
Toronto Rally: From Queen’s Park to City Hall
In Toronto, protesters will gather at Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley St W, at 9:00 AM, before marching to Toronto City Hall at 100 Queen St W. The peaceful demonstration will feature speeches, music, and cultural expressions that celebrate Nigerian heritage while advocating for justice.
Ottawa March: A Diplomatic Circuit
The Ottawa protest route carries particular significance, beginning at the Nigerian High Commission on 295 Metcalfe St and proceeding through key diplomatic locations including the US Embassy and British High Commission, before culminating at Parliament Hill. This strategic route underscores the international dimensions of Kanu’s detention case.
Growing Movement for Justice
A four-person Planning Committee is coordinating with numerous Nigerian community organizations and associations across Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and other cities to ensure maximum participation. The mobilization reflects widespread concerns within the diaspora about Kanu’s prolonged detention since his 2021 rendition from Kenya.
Prominent activists including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore have begun mobilizing for the October 20 protest, with simultaneous demonstrations planned in Nigeria itself. The growing movement frames Kanu’s release as a matter of fundamental human rights and justice.
As the Nigerian diaspora in Canada prepares for this historic demonstration, the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest represents a powerful example of transnational advocacy and the enduring connections between Nigerians abroad and pressing issues at home.