Wabara Demands Immediate Release of Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer, and Other Detained Protesters

Former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, has called on the police to immediately release all individuals arrested during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

Normalcy has since returned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following Monday’s clash between security operatives and demonstrators demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has, however, ordered the remand of Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, alongside several others.

Wabara condemned the actions of security officers who reportedly fired teargas at peaceful protesters and assaulted a journalist covering the event. He described the incident as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image,” urging President Bola Tinubu to rein in security agencies.

“The arrest of Emmanuel Kanu, Ejimakor, and others will only heighten tensions in the South-East,” Wabara warned, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right of citizens.

He cited ongoing mass protests in the United States as examples of how security agencies should respect demonstrators’ rights, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of “using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.”

Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that the arrests were part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial.

Court documents filed by the police charged the defendants with inciting disturbance and public disorder, claiming they obstructed traffic and chanted war songs during the rally.

As of Tuesday morning, commercial activities in Abuja had resumed, though a heavy police presence remained. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until Kanu regains his freedom.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was among those who led Monday’s march despite police warnings and a court order.