Sowore Leads Defiant Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release in Abuja

Protesters for release of Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja

On Monday, protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), regrouped at Utako to continue their demonstration after being dispersed by security operatives using tear gas and live ammunition.

Earlier, the protesters had been forced to flee following police deployment of tear gas canisters near the Maitama area. Armed operatives subsequently moved in to disperse the crowd.

The demonstrators, comprising civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups, were participating in the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign, which seeks to pressure the Federal Government to comply with the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted Kanu.

Earlier in the day, police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at protesters and bystanders near the Transcorp Hilton and adjacent streets in Maitama.

After regrouping at Utako, the protesters resumed chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners. However, security agents again used tear gas to scatter them.

Security has since been tightened across the Federal Capital Territory, with soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services stationed at strategic locations, including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone. Additionally, at Berger Roundabout, a large contingent of soldiers with a gun truck was observed.