Police operatives reportedly fired teargas at the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters and commuters around the Central Business District (CBD) in Abuja on Monday.
The police also barricaded access roads leading to the national assembly, federal secretariat and the Eagles Square, forcing commuters to trek long distances to such locations.
According to Vanguard, the protesters, which included the arrowhead of the protest and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr Omoyele Sowore, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, Mr Aloy Ejimakor and several others had gathered around the Nigeria Communications Commission NCC headquarters in Maitama, chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now”.
They were also heard cautioning the police against tear gassing them just before sounds of gunshots were heard, and they scampered to safety.
The Sowore and some activists had mobilised for a protest, demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest caused gridlock in the FCT with many stranded residents expressing anger over the decision of security forces to mount barricades at strategic points.
It was also learnt that Ejimakor was arrested during the protest.
In a post on his X handle, Ejimakor said the police arrested him alongside Prince Emmanuel, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and others.
He added that they were being detained at the headquarters of FCT Police Command, Garki, Abuja.
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Gariki 2, Abuja,” Ejimakor said in the post.
Earlier, he had complained of being tear gassed alongside others near the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Maitama area of Abuja while waiting for the kick off of the protest.
Meanwhile, the protest has received the blessing of some opposition politicians including former the former vice president, Mr Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi and the chairman, board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Adolphus Wabara.
The opposition figures had urged the federal government to embrace dialogue and set free to the detained IPOB leader who is tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja on for terrorism and separatist activities.
For Atiku, the continued detention of Kanu “is a “stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice.
“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” he said on his X.
For his part, Obi supported the campaign the release of Kanu, saying his arrest is irrelevant.
Speaking during visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, alongside the chairmanship candidate for African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dr. Moses Paul, the LP chieftain reiterated his long-held position that dialogue, not detention, remains the only sustainable solution to separatist agitations.
“I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place. “And I’ve always said that for me, I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there.”
He commended Sowore and others calling for Kanu’s release, noting that peaceful dialogue is key to resolving such crises.
“I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022, and even 2024. Now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed—not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation.
“There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or saying let’s have a dialogue with them. And whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules. So, I thank the organisers and those who are involved,” he added.
Similarly, Wabara sent a solidarity message to Sowore, saying he would have joined in the protest march if he was he was not currently outside Nigeria.
“I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I wish to commend your efforts and those of others who continue to speak up for justice and fairness in our country.
“Unfortunately, I am out of the country and will not be able to join you physically on that day. However, please know that I am with you in spirit and in full support of every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation.
“I wish you and all participants a peaceful and successful outing. Let this moment unite us as never before. Let us march for justice, not vengeance; freedom, not anarchy; unity, not fear. History has placed this responsibility on our generation. Let us not fail,” he said in a statement.
Earlier, Sowore had urged southeast governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the planned demonstration for Kanu’s release.
He disclosed that he had contacted several prominent Igbo leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; his counterpart in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Obi to join the movement.
He also disclosed that he reached out to Atiku through his team, noting that the former vice president’s support would give significant weight to the campaign.
“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo, and Mr @PeterObi (through his team) today. Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. @PeterObi about our plans, although he is currently travelling.
“I also reached out to Alhaji @Atiku through his team, while Senator @SenatorAbaribe said he would return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging.
“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later,” he said.
