A planned demonstration for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was halted by security forces in Abuja on Monday, resulting in the arrest of several key organizers, including Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, convened by activist Omoyele Sowore, was met with a heavy security deployment that blocked access to the Presidential Villa. Armed police and soldiers used tear gas and live bullets to disperse crowds gathered around the Transcorp Hilton and other locations.
The crackdown triggered panic across the city, forcing workers and shop owners to flee as tear gas seeped into nearby offices and public spaces, affecting numerous bystanders.
Among those reportedly detained were two journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP), alongside several protesters.
Omoyele Sowore took to social media to denounce the arrests, alleging police brutality. “They arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, his lawyer, and innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!” he stated.
Aloy Ejimakor confirmed his detention in a post from the police station: “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID.”
The police had previously issued warnings against protests in designated areas. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin referenced a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations near key government installations, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and the Force Headquarters.
“Citizens are free to express their opinions peacefully, but not in areas designated as restricted zones by the court,” Hundeyin stated, describing the police action as an enforcement of this judicial order.
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