Police disperse Release Nnamdi Kanu Now protesters Abuja
Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday dispersed protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, after they regrouped in parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The protesters, operating under the banner #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, had initially gathered at the Unity Fountain, where they chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners calling for the implementation of previous court orders granting Kanu’s release.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstrators later regrouped at the Federal Secretariat after police officers blocked access to major roads leading to the National Assembly complex.
Police move in to maintain order
Officers from the FCT Police Command, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were seen running for cover as the situation briefly caused traffic disruption along Shehu Shagari Way.
Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, saying the force acted to “prevent a breakdown of law and order.”
“We respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, but when protests become obstructive or threaten public peace, we are duty-bound to intervene,” Adeh said.
She did not confirm whether any arrests were made but assured that calm had been restored in the area.
Protesters insist on peaceful demonstration
One of the organisers, Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accused the police of overreacting, insisting that the demonstration was peaceful and lawful.
“We complied with all constitutional requirements. The protest was to remind the government that courts have repeatedly ordered Nnamdi Kanu’s release,” Ejiofor said. “Instead of dialogue, they responded with force.”
The lawyer vowed that the group would continue its agitation through legal and democratic means, urging the international community to take note of what he described as “consistent suppression of civil rights” in Nigeria.
Background
The protest follows a recent court ruling dismissing a police application to ban the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” demonstrations.
Despite that decision, authorities have maintained tight security across the capital amid fears of potential unrest.
Kanu has been in custody since 2021 on charges of treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement. His lawyers argue that his continued detention violates multiple court orders and international human rights norms.
Civil society reactions
Several rights groups, including the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and SERAP, have condemned the police action, saying it contradicts constitutional guarantees of peaceful protest.
“You cannot claim to defend democracy and at the same time attack citizens for exercising democratic rights,” said Dr. Adebayo Thomas, a public policy analyst.
The groups called on the Federal Government to engage dialogue and respect court rulings regarding Kanu’s case.
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