Police Detain and Tear-Gas #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters After Meeting with Barrister Aloy Ejimakor
Police Detain and Tear-Gas #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters After Meeting with Barrister Aloy Ejimakor
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Fresh outrage has trailed the reported arrest and brutalisation of activists who participated in a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to a statement shared by human rights advocates and eyewitnesses, the group — which included Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, Barrister Wisdom Okere, and 10 other supporters — was allegedly harassed, tear-gassed, and detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
Human Rights Advocates Condemn Police Action
The protesters, who had earlier held a meeting with Barrister Ejimakor to strategise legal and advocacy efforts for Kanu’s release, were reportedly attacked shortly after leaving the meeting premises on Monday.
Eyewitness reports obtained by Akahi News indicate that police operatives deployed tear gas within their own premises, dispersing the unarmed protesters before taking them into custody at the notorious SARS Abattoir detention facility.
“Despite the challenges they face, they are all in high spirits as we push for their release to continue the fight against oppression,” one of the organisers said, lamenting the excessive use of force by the police.
Human rights defenders described the police response as “highly condemnable,” calling it a blatant violation of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression as guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Allegations Against FCT Police Command
Critics have accused the FCT Police Command, led by Commissioner Kayode Egberokun, of irresponsible leadership and abuse of power. Reports suggest that this latest incident adds to a growing pattern of heavy-handed responses to peaceful demonstrations in the capital.
“The FCT Police Command’s actions amount to state-backed intimidation,” said a rights campaigner who spoke to Akahi News. “Using tear gas and unlawful detention against unarmed citizens demanding justice for Nnamdi Kanu is both unlawful and undemocratic.”
Renewed Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The incident has reignited conversations about Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release. Activists and legal experts have urged the federal government to comply with court orders and pursue peaceful dialogue rather than repression.
Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who has been leading Kanu’s legal defence, reiterated that their struggle remains peaceful and lawful, emphasising that no amount of intimidation would stop the movement from seeking justice.
Observers believe the latest crackdown could further strain relations between the government and pro-Biafra supporters, highlighting ongoing tensions around human rights and civic freedoms in Nigeria.
As of press time, the FCT Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported arrests and use of tear gas.
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