ABUJA — Security forces on Monday disrupted a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja and detained several organizers, including Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was organized to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
Protesters had gathered near the Transcorp Hilton in Maitama and planned to march to the Presidential Villa, but were intercepted by armed police officers and soldiers who barricaded key roads leading to the Villa and the Central Business District. Witnesses said security operatives fired live rounds and teargas to disperse the crowd, forcing demonstrators to flee in different directions.
Attempts by protesters to regroup at Utako and Aso Mechanic Village were again met with force as security personnel chased them away. The crackdown caused panic in nearby areas, with teargas affecting offices, shops, and passersby not involved in the demonstration.
Among those reportedly arrested were two journalists working for Agence France-Presse (AFP), along with several other participants. Sowore, reacting on X (formerly Twitter), accused the police of using excessive force and unlawfully detaining peaceful demonstrators.
“They arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, his lawyer, and innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!” Sowore wrote.
Ejimakor also confirmed his arrest on X, posting:
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.”
Before the protest, the police had issued a public warning citing a Federal High Court ruling that restricted demonstrations around sensitive government locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin reiterated that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, such gatherings must not take place within restricted areas as designated by the court.
By late morning, normal activities gradually resumed across Abuja, though security checkpoints and patrols remained active, especially around the Central Business District. A few protesters, however, continued their demonstration near the Apo Mechanic area, waving banners and chanting slogans despite the heavy police presence.
