Economic activities in Abuja came to a standstill yesterday following a large-scale protest led by human rights activist and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
By 6:00 a.m., security forces had blocked major access roads leading to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), causing massive traffic gridlock and leaving thousands of workers and commuters stranded. Although the demonstration was initially intended to be peaceful, it turned violent in Maitama when security operatives fired tear gas at protesters, dispersing the crowd in chaos.
Police authorities had earlier warned protesters to avoid the Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, and nearby areas, cautioning that any violation would be met with firm action.
Protest Turns Chaotic as Police Fire Tear Gas
Protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, and his younger brother, Fineboy Kanu, gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.” Moments later, gunshots were heard, prompting protesters to flee for safety as police intensified their crackdown.
The heavy security presence and road closures triggered anger among residents and commuters who were trapped in traffic for hours. The gridlock was particularly severe for those traveling from Bwari, Kubwa, Ushafa, and Nyanya-Mararaba, where multiple checkpoints and stop-and-search operations were mounted.
Aso Villa and Key Government Areas Under Tight Security
Security was heightened around Aso Villa as protesters were reportedly planning to march towards the State House, the official residence of President Bola Tinubu. Soldiers, police, and DSS operatives sealed off all access routes to the Villa and the Three Arms Zone.
Even government staff with official tags were redirected to alternate routes, as security checks were intensified along the Keffi-Abuja expressway, Karu Bridge, and the Central Business District. A security advisory circulated among federal workers warned of restricted access around the National Mosque and Eagle Square.
Journalists Assaulted and Equipment Destroyed
Several journalists covering the protest were assaulted by security personnel. A reporter from Agence France-Presse (AFP), Mr. John Okunyomih, was reportedly beaten and had his camera destroyed, while a Business Day correspondent, Tony Ailemen, had his car damaged when a police officer fired a tear gas canister directly at it.
The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the attack, describing it as “a gross violation of press freedom and democratic principles.” The union demanded an investigation and called for the immediate replacement of the damaged equipment, warning security agencies to respect journalists’ rights under the constitution.
Sowore Threatens Occupation of Police Headquarters
Reacting to the arrests, Sowore took to X (formerly Twitter), demanding the immediate release of those detained, including Ejimakor and Fineboy Kanu. He threatened to lead protesters to occupy the FCT Police Command if they were not released, describing the arrests as “illegal and oppressive.”
No Court Order Banning Protest — Opara
Human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, stated that protesters never received any court order restricting the demonstration. He argued that while the police claimed a court injunction prohibited protests near key government areas, none barred the protest itself.
Opara accused the Federal Government of double standards, pointing out that it had negotiated with armed groups while ignoring multiple court orders that directed the release of Kanu. “Why the selective obedience to court rulings?” he asked, insisting the protest would continue until Kanu is freed.
Police Defend Tear Gas Use
In response, Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, justified the use of tear gas, stating that protesters attempted to march toward Aso Villa in violation of a court order restricting such movement. He emphasized that the police acted within the law to prevent obstruction and maintain order.
Igbo Traders in Ondo Close Shops in Solidarity
In Akure, Ondo State, many Igbo-owned shops were shut in solidarity with the Abuja protest. The closure affected major areas such as Oyemekun, Oba Adesida, Arakale, NEPA, and Old Garage roads, leading to partial paralysis of commercial activity. Shop owners said their action was a peaceful show of support for Kanu’s release.
Igbo Women Demand Release of Detainees
The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) condemned the arrests, demanding the immediate release of all protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer and younger brother. National President of IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, described the police actions as “impunity taken too far,” warning that suppressing peaceful protests would worsen existing tensions in the South East.
She also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for allegedly becoming intolerant of dissent despite benefiting from protests during its rise to power in 2014.
Presidency Calls for Sanctions Against Kanu’s Lawyer
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to sanction Aloy Ejimakor for joining the protest. Onanuga argued that Ejimakor’s participation violated legal ethics since Kanu’s case is still before a competent court.
He said the lawyer should focus on legal defense instead of “extra-legal tactics” and accused Sowore of manipulating public sentiment for attention.
Tinubu’s Aide: Protests Won’t Free Terror Suspects
Another presidential aide, Sunday Dare, criticized Sowore’s actions, saying such protests would not be tolerated in Western countries. He maintained that Kanu’s ongoing case predates the Tinubu administration and that the judiciary must be allowed to conclude the process without interference.
Dare emphasized that the government respects judicial independence and would not bow to pressure from street protests or emotional campaigns.
Amnesty International Condemns Crackdown
Amnesty International Nigeria expressed concern over the police response, describing it as an attack on freedom of assembly. The group stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and urged authorities to ensure that security agencies respect citizens’ rights in accordance with domestic and international law.
It said: “Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent.”
