Police Foil #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest, Arrest Organisers in Abuja

Security operatives on Monday disrupted a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja and arrested key organisers, including Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of the detained IPOB leader, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

The demonstration, convened by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, sought to pressure the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since June 2021.

Protesters had planned to march towards the Presidential Villa, but their efforts were thwarted as soldiers and policemen mounted barricades on major routes leading to the Villa and the Central Area.

The protest, which began near Transcorp Hilton in Maitama, was quickly dispersed when security operatives fired live bullets and teargas canisters into the crowd. Subsequent attempts by demonstrators to regroup around Utako and Aso Mechanic Village were also foiled.

The crackdown caused panic across the city, forcing workers, commuters, and business owners to flee for safety. Teargas spread into nearby offices and plazas, affecting bystanders unconnected to the protest.

Two journalists with Agence France-Presse (AFP) were reportedly arrested alongside several protesters.

Sowore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused the police of brutality and unlawful detention, demanding the immediate release of those arrested. Ejimakor also confirmed his arrest, posting that he and others were being held at the FCT Command CID, Garki, Abuja.

Police authorities had earlier warned against protests near critical government buildings, citing a Federal High Court order designating such areas as restricted zones.

Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin reiterated that while citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, demonstrations are not permitted in areas such as Aso Rock, the National Assembly, the Court of Appeal, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

By late morning, movement had begun to ease in parts of the city, though a heavy security presence remained around the Central Business District. A small group of protesters, however, continued their demonstration at the Apo Mechanic area, waving placards and chanting slogans.

Nnamdi Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.