Police operatives on Monday fired tear gas at protesters who gathered in Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration, tagged #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, began around the Transcorp Hilton area but was quickly disrupted as security agents moved in early to disperse participants. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who joined the protest, was among those affected by the tear gas.
Witnesses said officers fired several canisters before protesters could gather in large numbers, forcing people to flee the scene. The police had earlier cordoned off nearby streets, including routes leading to the Federal Secretariat and Unity Fountain.
Security was also tightened across key areas of the city, with soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services stationed at the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, and roads leading to Aso Rock.
Earlier in the day, Sowore had urged Nigerians to defy a court order restricting demonstrations near government buildings and join the peaceful march.
“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” Sowore posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He also wrote on Facebook, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”
However, the protest went against an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, barring gatherings around sensitive locations such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, and Eagle Square.
Sowore questioned the legitimacy of the order, accusing authorities of double standards in their handling of protests.
“Why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” he asked.
The activist said his legal team would challenge the court order, insisting that the demonstration was both peaceful and lawful.
The protest also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which called for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.
