By SECURITY operatives on Monday fired tear gas and gunshots to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during a demonstration in Abuja.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was led by activist Omoyele Sowore, despite a police warning and an existing court order restricting demonstrations around key government areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before security forces moved in. Tear gas canisters were fired as police and soldiers advanced, forcing the crowd to flee. Some protesters shouted, “Tear gas cannot stop us!” as they dispersed.
Heavy Security Presence Across Abuja
Security was heightened across major routes leading to the Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone, where movement was heavily restricted.
All access roads to the Federal Secretariat were also barricaded.
Witnesses said security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain — the initial rally point — and denied access to both motorists and pedestrians. Armed police and soldiers also patrolled nearby areas, including Utako, where tear gas was fired to disperse a separate crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat.
‘Unprovoked Attack’ – Sowore
Appearing later on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sowore described the security response as an “unprovoked attack,” claiming the organisers had duly notified the police of their plans.
“There were about 10 trucks that arrived just as we began the protest. We were peaceful and orderly,” he said. “From nowhere, they began shooting tear gas and even live bullets. Fortunately, no one was hit.”
He alleged that some protesters and bystanders were arrested, including Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, both of whom were reportedly beaten and taken to the FCT Police Command.
Sowore also criticised Kanu’s continued detention, urging the Federal Government to present its case in court instead of what he termed “a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.”
Court Injunction and Police Warning
The protest contravened an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, restricting demonstrations near key government institutions including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
Police had earlier warned that violators would be arrested and that digital evidence would be used to trace social media incitement.
Sowore dismissed the police claim of a valid order, revealing that 115 lawyers were prepared to challenge it in court once officially served.
Background: Kanu’s Legal Battle
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges and released on bail before fleeing the country. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 under controversial circumstances and extradited to Nigeria.
A Federal High Court recently dismissed his no-case submission, allowing terrorism charges to proceed. His lawyers have raised concerns about his deteriorating health and requested his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Southeast governors have continued to call for his release as part of efforts to ease regional tensions.
READ ALSO: https://stonixnews.com/lekki-toll-gate-massacre-honouring-the-fallen-voices-of-endsars/
Symbolic Timing
Monday’s protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which in 2020 called for police reform and justice for victims of brutality. Many Nigerians still mark the date in memory of those killed at the Lekki Toll Gate.
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