Amanze Chinonye
The ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja has descended into chaos as police reportedly fired tear gas and arrested several demonstrators including Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lead counsel, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, which began peacefully at the Unity Fountain, was part of nationwide calls demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader. It also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the EndSARS protest, which began on the same date in 2020.
Eyewitnesses say security operatives moved in after the crowd began marching towards the Federal Secretariat, firing tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters.
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A participant identified as S. Yusuf said the police “attacked peaceful protesters with live bullets.”
“We came out peacefully to demand justice, equity, and the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but instead of dialogue, the government has unleashed violence on unarmed citizens,” Yusuf said. “This is not democracy, it’s oppression. No one should be shot for asking for justice. No one should die for demanding freedom.”
Protesters and human rights observers say the use of excessive force marks a disturbing echo of the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations, during which security forces were accused of attacking unarmed civilians.
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Sowore Alleges Arrest of Kanu’s Brother and Lawyer
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who has been leading the Abuja rally, confirmed that security operatives arrested Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, alongside other protesters and bystanders.
“The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, as well as innocent bystanders,” Sowore posted on X (formerly Twitter). “They were beaten and taken to the FCT Command. The police must release them immediately!”
Eyewitnesses also reported that several protesters sustained injuries during the crackdown, though the number of casualties remains unconfirmed at press time.
Court Cleared Protest to Hold
The ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier permitted the demonstration after dismissing an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop it.
Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon ruled that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right protected under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, provided protesters remain non-violent.
Reactions and Human Rights Concerns
Civil rights organisations, including Amnesty International Nigeria and SERAP, have begun monitoring the situation, calling for restraint and the immediate release of those arrested.
Amnesty International’s local office posted on X that it was “deeply concerned by reports of excessive force against peaceful protesters in Abuja” and urged the authorities to uphold international human rights standards.
Neither the Federal Capital Territory Police Command nor the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an official statement on the incident as of press time.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his re-arrest in Kenya and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria. Although the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, the Federal Government appealed the ruling, and Kanu remains in custody at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
His continued detention has drawn widespread criticism and is seen as a key factor fuelling unrest and separatist sentiment in parts of the South East.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
