Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police of arresting Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Sowore alleged that the security operatives also arrested bystanders while dispersing demonstrators calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
“The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, as well as innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!,” Sowore wrote.
Earlier, protesters were reportedly dispersed with live bullets and teargas fired into the air by security operatives around Abuja’s Central Business District. The action caused panic among commuters and led to traffic disruption.
Several major roads in the city centre were also barricaded by the police, resulting in gridlock and confusion for motorists and pedestrians.
Ahead of the demonstration, the Nigeria Police had designated parts of Abuja as restricted areas for protests.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, reminded groups that a Federal High Court in Abuja had barred demonstrations within and around sensitive government locations.
These include Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
He urged all groups, whether in support of or against Kanu’s release, to abide strictly by the directive to avoid confrontation and maintain public order.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, following his re-arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]