Security forces in Abuja on Monday used tear gas to disperse protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), before the demonstration fully began. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was among those present at the protest.
The protest, tagged #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was planned to kick off at the Transcorp Hilton and other strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, police officers intervened early, firing tear gas to break up the crowd and prevent the rally from starting. Security presence had been heightened across the city, with personnel from the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) stationed around key areas such as the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Presidential Villa.
Despite a court order prohibiting protests near major government buildings, organisers under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign insisted on proceeding. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, said, “Our right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution. We will not be intimidated.”
Legal counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, also maintained that the protest was lawful, saying, “The police were notified. Their role is to provide security, not to stop peaceful protesters.”
Convener Omoyele Sowore warned that any use of force would be documented and challenged in court, noting that legal, medical, and media teams were on ground to monitor the protest. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also deployed personnel to safeguard public infrastructure.
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu stated, “The corps will not tolerate damage to property in the name of protest.”Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed officers to enforce the court order and maintain security across restricted areas.
As the situation unfolded, tensions remained high as protesters regrouped and moved towards the Utako district in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
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