On Monday, security operatives deployed tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction and police warnings.
Marching through key areas of the Federal Capital Territory, protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being forced to scatter. Some shouted defiantly, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they fled the scene.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march commenced near Transcorp Hilton and other parts of Abuja. Security forces, including police and soldiers, had deployed early, setting up along major routes to Aso Rock and maintaining heavy presence at Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.
All access roads to the Federal Secretariat and sensitive government areas were barricaded, while Unity Fountain—the protest take-off point—was blocked to both motorists and pedestrians.
Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving sections of the city effectively inaccessible.
A separate crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, which was not part of the protest, was also dispersed after security operatives fired tear gas.
Sowore said the organisers had notified police about the protest in advance. He alleged that some protesters “were arrested and bystanders were forced into police vehicles.”
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He condemned Kanu’s extended detention and urged the Federal Government to “present its evidence before the court,” describing the proceedings as a “deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.”
The protest violated an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, which restricted demonstrations around the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, and other sensitive locations.
Police had warned that any violation of the order would lead to arrests, adding that digital evidence would track social media incitement.
Sowore, however, rejected the validity of the court order, questioning why no similar order targeted those opposing Kanu’s release.
He also revealed that 115 lawyers were prepared to challenge the alleged injunction once formally served.
