A joint detachment of defence and security operatives on Monday forcefully dispersed protesters led by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in the Maitama area of Abuja.
The protesters, who converged near the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), were participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration, demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said the protest, which started peacefully, turned chaotic when security operatives arrived at the scene and ordered the demonstrators to disperse. The protesters, including Sowore and Kanu’s lead counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, reportedly carried placards and chanted slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and “Respect Court Orders.”
Moments later, security personnel — comprising the police, soldiers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) — moved in to break up the gathering. Tear gas was reportedly fired to disperse the crowd, forcing protesters to flee the area.
While details of any arrests or injuries were yet to be confirmed as of press time, Sowore and other participants condemned what they described as “an unwarranted use of force against peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, which has gained renewed momentum in recent days, seeks compliance with various court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. The IPOB leader has been in detention since 2021 following his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the dispersal of the protest.
