Security in Abuja blocked major roads on Monday as protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), took to the streets. The blockage and deployment of security personnel caused heavy traffic across parts of the city.
Witnesses said the protest, which was peaceful, turned tense after security operatives allegedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Some protesters accused the police of assaulting them and confiscating their personal belongings. Others were taking forcefully to different police stations in the Nigerian capital forcing the convener of the protest Omoyele Sowore to storm police stations with his supporters to secure the release of the protesters.
Earlier, a video had emerged when Sowore and others took to their heels when policemen mobilized to the scene of the protest open fire at protesters.
An FCT media aide, Lere Olayinka had mocked Sowore in a video he posted with a caption, “ Why Cashtivist Sowore come pick race like this bayi?”
Report also has it that Kanu’s lawyer and his younger brother have been arrested and currently detained in Abuja.
His post has since elicited serious response from the activist supporters and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu.
Reacting to the incident, Amnesty International condemned the actions of the security forces, describing them as a violation of fundamental human rights.
Amnesty International’s Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the events of the previous day were “deeply regrettable” and exposed the government’s lack of commitment to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
“What happened yesterday is unfortunate and shows that the Nigerian government is not sincere about respecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest,” Sanusi said.
“We observed how journalists were assaulted, some were arrested and had their equipment seized. Even lawyers were detained. This clearly demonstrates that nothing has changed in how authorities respond to peaceful demonstrations.”
Sanusi also condemned the use of tear gas by security personnel, stressing that it violates established human rights standards. “We saw security operatives using tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters. This is unlawful,” he said.
“The government should be setting an example in respecting the law and protecting human rights. If such actions continue, it will pose a serious threat to human rights protection in Nigeria.”
This is not the first time Amnesty had accused Nigerian security agencies of using excessive force against demonstrators. A 34-page report released by the organization in 2024 accused police of unlawful arrests and killings during protests against the high cost of living on October 1, 2024 — allegations the police have since denied.
Monday’s protest marked the first major demonstration in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release since his arrest in 2021.