A joint team of security operatives on Sunday forcefully dispersed protesters led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, during a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters, who converged around the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in the Maitama area of Abuja, were chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and “Justice for All Political Prisoners.”
Among the protesters were Sowore, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor—one of Kanu’s lead counsel—and several members of civil society groups and pro-Biafra sympathizers.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after security personnel comprising police, soldiers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) moved in to disperse the crowd.
Moments before the confrontation, Sowore was heard urging the officers to remain calm and respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. However, gunshots soon rang out, followed by the release of teargas canisters, causing panic and confusion among the protesters.
Videos from the scene showed participants fleeing in different directions as security personnel advanced. Some protesters were reportedly manhandled, though it was unclear if any arrests were made at the time of filing this report.
Speaking briefly after the incident, Sowore condemned the use of force, describing it as “another attempt by the government to silence peaceful dissent.”
“We were simply asking for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in line with court rulings. Instead of listening, they responded with gunfire and teargas,” he said.
Barrister Ejimakor also criticized the action of the security agencies, insisting that the protest was lawful and protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
The demonstration was part of the ongoing nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, which calls for the immediate release of the IPOB leader who has been in detention since 2021 despite multiple court orders granting him bail.
