On Monday, police forces in Abuja dispersed protesters calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration, part of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign, aimed to pressure the Federal Government to comply with a 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted Kanu.
Initially, protesters gathered in the Maitama area but were forced to flee when police fired tear gas canisters. They later regrouped in the Utako area, where they resumed their demonstration, chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners. However, armed security personnel again intervened, using tear gas to scatter the crowd.
The protests included civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups. Earlier in the day, the police had created panic in Maitama, causing commuters and passersby to seek safety as multiple rounds of tear gas were deployed.
As the situation unfolded, security measures were tightened across the Federal Capital Territory, with police, soldiers, and operatives from the Department of State Services stationed at key locations, including Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat.
Reports indicate that a significant military presence was also observed at the Berger roundabout, with armed personnel and vehicles positioned strategically in the area.
