By Comrade Ijeomah Anthony, Owerri

In what many observers have described as a calculated attempt to stop him from participating in the forthcoming peaceful protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Nigeria Police Force has officially invited Chief Dr. Ralph Uwazuruike, the founder of MASSOB and BIM, to appear at their Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri on Monday, 20th October 2025 — the same date the planned nationwide rally is scheduled to hold.

The police invitation, issued on 16th October 2025 and signed for the Commissioner of Police, cited an investigation into alleged “Criminal Invasion, Forgery, and Wilful Damage.” Uwazuruike was instructed to report at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit by 10:00 AM, with contact officers listed as ASP John Ebute, ASP Eze Jet, and Inspector Alice Zakari.

The development comes barely a week after Uwazuruike publicly declared his willingness to join the peaceful protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a march for justice and dignity for the Igbo people. Speaking on 8th October 2025 in Owerri, Uwazuruike had stated with calm conviction:

“I will be part of any peaceful protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. This is not about Kanu alone; this is about our collective dignity as a people.”

His declaration, which went viral across social and traditional media platforms, drew widespread commendation from both Nigerian citizens and Biafrans, who hailed his courage and consistency in pursuing non-violent advocacy for justice.

However, according to Uwazuruike’s latest communication to the Minister of Information, Comrade Ijeomah Anthony, the timing and nature of the police invitation leave little doubt about its motive.

“I have no problem with the police or their invitation,” Uwazuruike said. “But it is clear they are only trying to prevent me from joining the planned peaceful protest on the 20th.”

Uwazuruike, who has long championed non-violence as the guiding philosophy of Biafra’s self-determination movement, emphasized that his support for the protest is rooted in conscience, not conflict.

Observers have pointed out that the police letter’s scheduling on the exact date of the planned rally raises serious concerns about intimidation and suppression of peaceful civic expression.

The planned protest, organized by concerned citizens of Nigeria and Biafrans, is expected to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in prolonged detention despite multiple court rulings in his favor.

Uwazuruike’s invitation has since sparked public debate, with many describing it as “a deliberate distraction” and “a silent attempt to silence the voice of peace.”

As the date draws near, the world watches closely to see whether the Nigerian authorities will continue to use state power to stifle peaceful activism or respect the democratic rights of citizens to assemble and express themselves lawfully.

For now, Chief Dr. Ralph Uwazuruike remains firm — calm but unshaken — reminding all that peace is not weakness and that the quest for justice cannot be handcuffed.

“A father does not abandon his children,” he said earlier this week. “If standing for truth will cost me my comfort, then let it be. I will always stand with my people.”