#FreeNnamdiKanu Protests Rock Abuja, Southeast Cities

…Police Fire Live Rounds, Teargas to Disperse Demonstrators
…Counter-Protesters Demand Continuation of Trial

By Yinka Giwa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, was thrown into confusion yesterday as police and soldiers fired live rounds in the air as well as teargas to disperse protesters demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The protesters, who had earlier been dispersed from the city centre, regrouped around Chida Hotel in Utako District, prompting a swift response from security forces. Eyewitnesses said the officers fired several shots into the air and released teargas in multiple directions, forcing traders, customers, and passersby to flee.

Shops, restaurants, and offices in the area hurriedly shut down as thick clouds of teargas filled the air. Many people were seen scrambling for safety, with some sustaining injuries in the process. “We were just inside our shops when police started firing live bullets and teargas. Everyone ran away. It was terrifying,” said one shop owner.

Business owners in nearby plazas stayed indoors long after the shooting subsided, while others closed entirely as police patrols continued around the Utako axis. A female protester pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene and secure Kanu’s release, saying the demonstration was not against the government but against those “delaying his freedom.”

Earlier in the day, a heavy security presence was noticed across major entry points into Abuja, including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, Airport Road, and Dutse–Bwari Road, following plans for a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest convened by activist Omoyele Sowore. As at press time, calm had yet to fully return to the Utako area, with armed security personnel maintaining positions at key intersections and buildings.

The protest also disrupted court activities in Abuja as hearing in a police suit against Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally could not proceed. By 9:30 a.m., all 13 courtrooms at the Federal High Court complex were under lock and key, and no judge was sighted. A handful of court workers, lawyers, and security personnel were seen around the premises as armed police kept watch.

Justice Mohammed Umar had, on Friday, granted an ex-parte motion filed by the police on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, restraining Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and affiliated groups from organizing protests in sensitive areas of the FCT, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The judge also ordered the respondents to appear and show cause why the interim order should not be vacated. The police argued that such protests could threaten public peace and national security.

In solidarity with the Abuja protesters, residents of Onitsha and Nnewi in Anambra State voluntarily stayed indoors, resulting in a near-total shutdown of social and economic activities. Although Mondays are typically observed as sit-at-home days in the Southeast, yesterday’s lockdown was markedly different. The usually busy Onitsha–Asaba Bridge, Onitsha–Owerri Road, and Onitsha–Enugu Expressway were completely deserted. Banks, schools, hospitals, and government offices remained closed, while popular eateries and markets also shut their doors. Even youths who usually take advantage of sit-at-home days to play football on the streets were nowhere to be seen.

Residents said their action was in solidarity with the call for Kanu’s release.

In Abuja, a group of counter-protesters also took to the streets, insisting that Kanu’s ongoing trial must be allowed to continue without political interference. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Pressure on the Rule of Law” and “Let Justice Take Its Course,” the demonstrators marched peacefully under the watch of security operatives who erected barricades to prevent clashes.

The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters later defended the use of teargas to disperse the pro-Kanu protesters, describing the action as lawful and necessary to maintain order. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said on his X handle that the protesters had attempted to march toward the restricted Three Arms Zone, which houses the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Court of Appeal, in violation of an existing court order.

“Police tear-gassed protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protests from the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way,” Hundeyin stated, adding that officers acted to “clear blocked roads and restore free movement for other Nigerians.”

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since June 2021 following his arrest and return to Nigeria from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.