Security operatives clashed with protesters in Abuja on Monday during a demonstration calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, which began peacefully at Unity Fountain, quickly descended into chaos as police fired tear gas and made multiple arrests.
Among those detained were Emmanuel Kanu, the brother of the IPOB leader, and his legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, along with six others.
Their arrest was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
According to Hundeyin, the arrests were made for breaching a subsisting court order that prohibited public gatherings in certain areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the suspects were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department and would be charged in court once investigations were concluded.
“Yes, we arrested them, including Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, because they attempted to force their way into restricted areas despite repeated warnings. Our actions were in line with a valid court order. Once investigations are concluded, they will be prosecuted immediately,” Hundeyin explained.
Earlier in the day, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore led protesters from Unity Fountain toward the Three Arms Zone, where major government buildings are located. The protesters, carrying placards with messages demanding Kanu’s freedom, chanted solidarity songs and accused the federal government of disregarding court rulings that had previously ordered his release.
However, before they could reach their destination, security forces, comprising the police, army, and civil defence operatives, barricaded major routes leading to Aso Rock, Eagle Square, and the National Assembly. Tear gas was deployed when the protesters refused to disperse, forcing many to flee the area.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also confirmed that its personnel were deployed to prevent any breach of public peace.
NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, described the protest as a “direct violation” of a Federal High Court order, insisting that while citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, such actions must respect existing legal boundaries.
The police reiterated that the restriction order was issued by Justice M. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sowore. The order prohibited protests within or around the Aso Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and other sensitive government areas.
Despite the warning, the organisers went ahead with the protest, arguing that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu was unlawful.
Sowore, addressing journalists before the protest began, said Kanu’s prolonged incarceration violated both the Nigerian Constitution and previous court rulings.
“The Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, yet he remains in custody. This is not only illegal but an embarrassment to Nigeria’s justice system,” Sowore said.
Kanu, who faces terrorism and treason charges, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 after being extradited from Kenya.
Although the Court of Appeal initially cleared him of all charges, the Supreme Court later reinstated seven counts, directing that he stand trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The court recently dismissed Kanu’s request to be transferred to a hospital, citing a medical report by the Nigerian Medical Association which confirmed that he was fit to stand trial and could receive adequate care at the DSS facility.
As of press time, the arrested individuals were still in custody, and police sources indicated they could be arraigned before a magistrate’s court within 24 hours.
