Police disperse #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protesters with tear gas in Abuja
Security forces in Abuja on Monday dispersed protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), using tear gas before the demonstration fully began.
Omoyele Sowore, Human rights activist was among those present.
The protest, organised under the hashtag #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was set to start at Transcorp Hilton and other locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, police officers moved in early, firing tear gas to disperse protesters and bystanders.
Security presence was increased across Abuja ahead of the protest. Personnel from the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, Federal Secretariat, and roads leading to the Presidential Villa.
The protest took place despite a court order prohibiting demonstrations near government institutions.
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order restricting protests around the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Shehu Shagari Way, and Eagle Square. The order followed an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force and remains in effect pending further hearing.
Organisers under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign said the protest would proceed in Abuja and other cities.
Damilare Adenola, director of mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, said the demonstration would go on.
“Our right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution. We will not be intimidated,” he said.
Legal counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, stated that his clients had not been served the court order. He argued that the protest was a lawful way to express public concerns. “The police were notified. Their role is to provide security, not to stop peaceful protesters,” he said.
Convener Omoyele Sowore, warned that any use of force by security personnel would be recorded and challenged. He said legal, medical, and media teams had been deployed to monitor the protest and assist participants.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also deployed personnel to protect public infrastructure.
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu, warned against vandalism or violence. “The corps will not tolerate damage to property in the name of protest,” he said.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, directed officers to enforce the court order and secure restricted areas.
Read also: #NnamdiKanu protest: Security agencies shut access to Presidential Villa, lockdown Abuja
As the protest began, tensions rose over the potential for clashes between protesters and security personnel.
At the time of filing this report, the protesters were heading to Utako district in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
