Chaos in Abuja as Police Disperse #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters, South-East Shuts Down in Solidarity

There was chaos in Abuja yesterday as security operatives fired live ammunition and teargas to disperse protesters demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.


The protest, which began around Transcorp Hilton, Maitama, quickly turned violent when security forces moved in to disperse the crowd. Protesters regrouped near Utako Market but were again met with gunfire and heavy teargas, causing panic among traders and commuters. Shops and offices in the area shut down abruptly as teargas spread through the air, forcing many to flee for safety.

Security was also tightened around the Three Arms Zone, home to the Presidency, National Assembly and Supreme Court, where access roads were blocked. Commuters faced hours of gridlock along the Keffi–Abuja expressway and other major routes as soldiers mounted barricades.

At least eight protesters, including Kanu’s brother and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, were arrested alongside two journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Sowore accused police of brutality and unlawful arrests, threatening further demonstrations if those detained were not released immediately.

Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, defended the security operation, citing a subsisting court order banning protests near key government buildings. He said officers only used teargas after protesters attempted to breach restricted areas. “Citizens have the right to protest, but it must be within the confines of the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, a counter-protest took place near Labour House in Abuja, where demonstrators carrying Nigerian flags expressed support for Kanu’s continued trial, chanting “No Pressure on the Rule of Law.”

By midday, calm gradually returned, though heavy security patrols persisted across the capital.

South-East Paralysed as Residents Demand Kanu’s Release

Economic and social life across the South-East was brought to a standstill as residents observed a massive sit-at-home in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement.

In Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states, schools, markets, banks and transport parks were closed. In Aba, commercial hubs were deserted, while in Umuahia, youths staged a peaceful march carrying placards reading: “Federal Government, obey court orders” and “Tinubu, restore peace in the South-East.”

Though there were no violent incidents, the shutdown was near-total in cities like Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi, where streets remained empty and businesses locked. Security patrols by police, army, and civil defence personnel were visible across the region.

Observers said the massive compliance underscored widespread frustration over Kanu’s continued detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.

Presidency, APC, and Rights Groups React

Presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare criticised Sowore’s protest, accusing him of attempting to influence judicial proceedings. Onanuga called for disciplinary action against Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, for joining the protest while Kanu’s case is still in court, describing the demonstration as “shambolic and unethical.”

Dare also faulted Sowore’s methods, saying: “Such protests cannot happen in Europe or America where someone accused of terrorism is still on trial. The judiciary must be allowed to do its work.”

In contrast, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) condemned the police crackdown, describing it as a violation of fundamental rights. CDHR President, Debo Adeniran, said: “The use of teargas and arrests against peaceful protesters is an abuse of power and a direct assault on democracy.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Chapter also denounced the protest, labelling it politically motivated. Party spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said: “This so-called protest is not about justice but political frustration. The courts will determine Kanu’s fate, not street agitators.”

Court Proceedings Stalled

Meanwhile, hearing in a police suit against Sowore and other protest organisers was stalled as court activities at the Federal High Court, Abuja, were suspended amid the unrest.

The case, filed by the police (FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025), seeks to restrain protesters from demonstrating near sensitive government institutions. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned proceedings as the court premises remained under lockdown.

Separately, in Kanu’s ongoing trial, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) submitted its report affirming that Kanu is medically fit to continue standing trial. Justice James Omotosho has directed his defence to open its case between October 23 and 30.

Kanu faces seven amended charges of terrorism, including incitement and threats leading to regional shutdowns. His trial continues before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Across Abuja and the South-East, the day ended under heavy security, with calm slowly returning after one of the most dramatic protests of the year.