Security operatives on Monday prevented a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting prominent organisers including Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, spearheaded by rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was intended to pressure the Federal Government to release Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 and currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It was said that demonstrators had planned to march towards the Presidential Villa, but security personnel, including armed police and soldiers, established barricades along major routes leading to the State House and the Central Area.
Due to the barricades, the protesters could not advance beyond the Maitama and Transcorp Hilton axis.
The protest, which began near Transcorp Hilton, was met with live bullets and teargas canisters, dispersing the crowd, reports insisted.
Attempts by protesters to regroup around Utako and Aso Mechanic Village were also swiftly curtailed by security forces.
The crackdown caused widespread panic, forcing workers, commuters, and shop owners to flee for safety.
Teargas affected nearby plazas and offices, impacting even bystanders not involved in the protest.
Two journalists working with Agence France-Presse (AFP) were reportedly arrested, along with several other demonstrators.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore accused the police of brutality and unlawful detention. "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 wrote.
Ejimakor also confirmed the arrest, posting: "We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja."
The police had previously warned against holding demonstrations near key government buildings, citing a Federal High Court order designating certain areas as no-protest zones.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the restriction covers Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
"Citizens are free to express their opinions peacefully, but not in areas designated as restricted zones by the court," Hundeyin said.
By 11:00 am, the city had begun to calm, although security presence remained heavy in the Central Business District and other key areas.
Nevertheless, a small group of protesters continued to gather around Apo Mechanic Village, chanting and waving placards despite the heightened security.
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